Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive of reaching the final of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series after defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the fifth match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe, elected to bat first, posted 146 for five in their 20 overs. Brian Bennett scored 34 before being dismissed hit wicket by Wanindu Hasaranga. Sikandar Raza contributed 37, while Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on 37. Maheesh Theekshana claimed two wickets, and Hasaranga also took two as Zimbabwe struggled to build substantial partnerships.
Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, reaching 148 for one in 16.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the innings with an impressive 98 not out off 58 balls, while Kusal Mendis added 25 not out. The pair guided Sri Lanka to victory with a brisk scoring rate of 9.06 runs per over. Brad Evans managed to dismiss Kamil Mishara for 12.
The match saw early breakthroughs for both sides, but Sri Lanka’s top order proved too strong for Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Nissanka reached his fifty in just 38 balls, with eight boundaries, setting the platform for a swift victory.
