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Nissanka's explosion crushes Zimbabwe as Sri Lanka seal easy 9-wicket win in Rawalpindi

Akshita Patel

Sri Lanka outclass Zimbabwe [Source: @ZubiTalks/X.com]Sri Lanka outclass Zimbabwe [Source: @ZubiTalks/X.com]

Sri Lanka roared back to form in the 5th T20I of the Pakistan Tri-Series, demolishing Zimbabwe by 9 wickets at Rawalpindi. After being put into bat, Zimbabwe posted 146/5.

But Sri Lanka chased it down in just 16.2 overs, powered by a brilliant knock from Pathum Nissanka.

Raza-Burl’s partnership guides Zimbabwe to a respectable total

Zimbabwe got off to a shaky start. Their troubles began early when Tadiwanashe Marumani was dismissed for 4 by Maheesh Theekshana in the very first over. 

Theekshana​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ couldn't resist and he went ahead shortly after to get out Dion Myers for 6, after which Zimbabwe looked helpless at 17/2 in less than three overs.

The early wickets put pressure on the batting side, but Brian Bennett tried to rebuild the innings with a fluent knock.

Bennett played positive cricket, finding the boundaries regularly. Alongside Brendan Taylor, he added some stability in the middle overs. 

Taylor made 14 before being dismissed by Dasun Shanaka, while Bennett continued to play his shots and reached 34 off 26 balls. Just when Zimbabwe looked set to accelerate, Wanindu Hasaranga broke through, dismissing Bennett in the 13th over.

Captain Sikandar Raza then took charge of the innings. He struck 37 from 29 balls. However, Hasaranga returned to remove Raza as well, halting Zimbabwe’s momentum once again. 

The finishing responsibility then fell to Ryan Burl, who played a crucial unbeaten cameo of 37 off 26 balls, hitting five fours and a six. With Tashinga Musekiwa keeping him company, Zimbabwe reached a competitive total of 146/5 at the end of their 20 overs.

Nissanka’s 98-run storm crushes Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a flying start, led by an outstanding innings from Pathum Nissanka. He looked in complete control from the very first over, punishing anything short or wide. 

Although Kamil Mishara played a supporting role, scoring 12 before being dismissed by Brad Evans, the tempo never dropped. 

After the early wicket, Kusal Mendis joined Nissanka and played the perfect second fiddle. While Mendis rotated the strike calmly, Nissanka took charge of the scoring.

The two continued to find the gaps in the field and made full use of Zimbabwe’s loose bowling and extras. The powerplay alone yielded 64 runs, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control of the chase. 

As the target came closer, Nissanka changed gears and reached the boundaries with crisp cuts or soared over the ropes. He remained unbeaten on an excellent 98 off 58 balls, finishing just short of a deserved century.

Mendis stayed not out on 25, as Sri Lanka reached 148/1 in 16.2 overs to complete a comprehensive win.

This marked Sri Lanka’s first win of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025.