Raza Rewrites History as Zimbabwe Crush Sri Lanka in Tri-Series Thriller

Zimbabwe produced one of the most remarkable performances in their T20I history, delivering a shock result in Rawalpindi as they defeated Sri Lanka by a commanding 67 runs in the ongoing tri-nation series. Defending a target of 162, Zimbabwe bowled Sri Lanka out for just 95, sealing their largest run-margin victory against a Full Member nation in T20 internationals.

Many might argue that surprises are not uncommon in T20 cricket, yet bowling out a seasoned side like Sri Lanka for under 100 remains a significant achievement for a team still rebuilding its identity on the international stage.

At the heart of Zimbabwe’s triumph was their captain, Sikandar Raza, who once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world’s premier all-rounders. Raza struck a crucial 47 runs with the bat, picked up a wicket, and was deservedly named Player of the Match. The game also marked a personal milestone: Raza became only the third cricketer in T20I history—after Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Nabi—to achieve both 1,000 runs and 100 wickets, underlining his all-round dominance.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first, hoping to exploit early movement. Zimbabwe were under pressure immediately, losing two wickets cheaply. But a resilient third-wicket partnership of 61 runs between Brian Bennett (49) and Raza stabilised the innings. Bennett’s recent form has been both promising and frustrating—he has now scored 47, 49 and 49 in his last three innings, missing half-centuries by the narrowest of margins.

Despite the strong foundation, Zimbabwe could not fully capitalise in the final overs, adding only 22 runs in the last three, finishing on 162 for 8. The total appeared competitive but not necessarily imposing.

However, once Zimbabwe took the field with the ball, the entire narrative shifted dramatically.

Left-arm quick Richard Ngarava struck in the very first over, removing Pathum Nissanka. His new-ball partner Tendai Chatara Maposa followed up immediately in the next, dismissing Kusal Perera. A sharp piece of fielding led to the run-out of Kusal Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 25 for 3.

From that point, Zimbabwe tightened their grip. Paceman Brad Evans delivered a sensational spell, taking 3 for 9 from four overs, dismantling the middle order and dismissing Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ishan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana. Ngarava added two more wickets, ensuring Sri Lanka never recovered.

Only Dasun Shanaka (34) offered any resistance, but his effort was nowhere near enough to prevent a heavy defeat.

The emphatic win has breathed new life into Zimbabwe’s campaign and served as a powerful reminder that they remain capable of major upsets in world cricket.

Match Summary Table

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