Raza, Evans and Muzarabani Dismantle Sri Lanka as Zimbabwe Clinch Series Lead

Zimbabwe Outclass Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe delivered a crushing display in Harare, skittling Sri Lanka for just 80—their second-lowest total in T20Is—before easing to a five-wicket victory with more than five overs to spare.

Sikandar Raza (3/11) orchestrated the collapse in the middle overs, while Blessing Muzarabani (2/14) and Brad Evans (3/15) ripped through the top and lower order. Despite a spirited burst from Dushmantha Chameera with the ball, Zimbabwe’s depth ensured the chase was completed without panic.

Powerplay Carnage

Sri Lanka’s batting implosion began almost immediately. Muzarabani set the tone with a hostile spell, dismissing Kusal Mendis cheaply and removing Nuwanidu Fernando. Evans joined the party, sending Pathum Nissanka to deep square leg before uprooting Kamil Mishara with a searing yorker.

By the end of six overs, Sri Lanka were reeling at 37/4, a position from which recovery was always improbable.

Raza Runs the Middle Overs

With the seamers having opened the gates, Raza turned the screw. His tight lines allowed no boundaries in his entire four-over quota. He trapped Kamindu Mendis lbw for a duck, then dismissed skipper Charith Asalanka and Chameera in quick succession.

Raza’s figures of 3 for 11 underlined why he remains Zimbabwe’s most reliable match-winner across formats.

Sri Lanka Fold for 80

Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka attempted to rebuild, but both fell in tame fashion. The last resistance came from Kamil Mishara’s 20 and a laboured partnership worth 26, but Evans returned to clean up the tail. Sri Lanka’s innings ended in the 18th over with just 80 on the board.

Chameera Strikes, But Zimbabwe Cruise

Sri Lanka needed early wickets to stand any chance, and Chameera (3/19) briefly ignited hope by knocking over Marumani, Williams, and Raza. However, Zimbabwe’s middle order, led by Ryan Burl (20)* and *Tashinga Musekiwa (21 off 12)**, steadied the nerves. Musekiwa’s late boundaries sealed the win as Zimbabwe reached the target in 14.2 overs.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka 80 in 17.4 overs (Charith Asalanka 18, Kamil Mishara 20; Sikandar Raza 3/11, Brad Evans 3/15, Blessing Muzarabani 2/14)
Zimbabwe 84/5 in 14.2 overs (Tashinga Musekiwa 21*, Ryan Burl 20*; Dushmantha Chameera 3/19)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (3/11 & 2 catches)