Mishara’s Brilliance Seals Series for Sri Lanka Against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka Dominate in Decider

Sri Lanka produced their most commanding batting display of the series to chase down 192 with 14 balls to spare, defeating Zimbabwe by eight wickets in Harare. The victory sealed a 2-1 series triumph, with Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 73 off 43 balls the highlight of the evening.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had posted a competitive 191/8, led by Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51 and contributions from Sean Williams (23 off 11) and Ryan Burl (26 off 15). But Sri Lanka’s top four turned the chase into a one-sided contest, with Mishara supported superbly by Kusal Perera (46 off 26)* in an unbroken stand of 117.

Zimbabwe Fire, But Fall Short

Opting to bat, Zimbabwe started positively. Marumani anchored the innings with a measured half-century, riding his luck but holding the innings together. Williams provided a burst of acceleration, striking five boundaries in his brief stay, while Raza and Burl kept the tempo high with strike rates well over 150.

For much of the middle overs, Zimbabwe looked capable of crossing 200. But Sri Lanka’s bowlers applied the brakes late on. Dushmantha Chameera (2/33) and Matheesha Pathirana (1/40) excelled at the death, conceding just 38 runs in the final four overs while taking crucial wickets.

That late squeeze proved decisive. From 153/4 after 16 overs, Zimbabwe lost momentum and finished 10–15 runs short of a truly imposing total.

Sri Lanka’s Powerplay Response

Sri Lanka needed a strong start, and they got one. Kusal Mendis (30 off 17) and Pathum Nissanka (33 off 20) blazed away in the powerplay, adding 58 runs in just over five overs.

It was the perfect platform for Mishara, who walked in with intent. Despite two quick wickets, Sri Lanka were well ahead of the rate at 67/2 after six overs.

Mishara’s Coming of Age

If there were doubts about Kamil Mishara’s place in Sri Lanka’s setup, they were answered in emphatic fashion. Showing composure and calculated aggression, the left-hander built his innings smartly. Singles and twos kept the board ticking before he launched into clean strikes down the ground and over midwicket.

A six off Sikandar Raza was the statement shot of his innings. By the time he reached his 50 off 33 balls, Zimbabwe’s hopes had faded. Partnering with a rejuvenated Kusal Perera, Mishara dominated the chase, finishing with six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 170.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 191/8 (Marumani 51, Burl 26, Raza 28; Hemantha 3/38, Chameera 2/33)
Sri Lanka: 193/2 in 17.4 overs (Mishara 73*, Perera 46*, Mendis 30; Raza 1/29, Evans 1/28)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (14 balls remaining)
Series: Sri Lanka won 2-1
Player of the Match: Kamil Mishara (73* off 43)