Kamindu Mendis Secures Player of the Match for Decisive Innings

HARARE: A rapid half-century from Pathum Nissanka, alongside an impressive unbeaten innings by Kamindu Mendis, propelled Sri Lanka to a tightly contested four-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I of their three-match series. The match took place at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

The visitors successfully chased down a challenging target of 176 runs, achieving the winning score with four wickets in hand and five balls remaining.

Sri Lanka established a strong foundation early in their chase, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis forging a partnership of 96 runs in just 10 overs.

Nissanka, the more aggressive of the two, was dismissed by Tinotenda Maposa on the first ball of the 11th over. He led Sri Lanka’s scoring with 55 runs off 32 balls, including four boundaries and a pair of sixes.

His departure triggered a period of instability, as Sri Lanka lost four additional wickets, including Kusal (38), in rapid succession, falling to 125/5 in 15.3 overs.

Following this setback, Kamindu took charge of Sri Lanka’s chase, aggressively countering Zimbabwe’s spirited bowling attack.

The middle-order batsman struck four sixes and one four, culminating in an unbeaten 41 off merely 16 deliveries, steering Sri Lanka to a close victory. Kamindu’s vital innings earned him the Player of the Match award.

For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Tinotenda Maposa, Brad Evans, and Sikandar Raza each secured one wicket.

After being put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 175/7 in their 20 overs, largely due to Brian Bennett’s swift half-century.

The right-handed opener was the highest scorer for the home side, compiling 81 off 57 balls, featuring 12 boundaries. Skipper Raza also contributed with 28 runs off 22 deliveries.

Dushmantha Chameera stood out for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs. Nuwan Thushara, Maheesh Theekshana, and Hemantha each contributed with a single wicket.