Cricket fans in Harare were treated to a remarkable evening as Zimbabwe clinched a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I, leveling the series in dramatic fashion. The victory was built on a superb bowling effort that bundled the visitors out for just 80 runs, followed by a gritty batting display that saw the hosts home with five wickets to spare.
Sri Lanka Collapse to Their Second-Lowest T20I Total
Sri Lanka’s batting unit endured a nightmare outing, collapsing to 80 all out, their second-lowest score in the shortest format of the game. Only their 77 against South Africa earlier this year in New York ranks lower.
The struggles were evident from the start. Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the surface perfectly, maintaining relentless pressure. Boundaries were scarce, and wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
- Lowest T20I Totals at Harare:
- Sri Lanka – 80 (2025)
- Zimbabwe – 90/9 vs Afghanistan (2022)
This also meant Sri Lanka now holds the unwanted record of the lowest total ever recorded in Harare.
Chameera’s Early Burst Creates Tension
Despite the disastrous batting display, Sri Lanka still managed to create some drama with the ball. Dushmantha Chameera produced a fiery opening spell, removing three top-order batters in quick succession.
At 61 for 5, Zimbabwe’s chase looked uncertain. A familiar sense of collapse loomed over the hosts, but this time, resilience took over.
Burl and Musekiwa Anchor the Chase
Zimbabwe’s nerves were steadied by Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa, who stitched together a vital stand under pressure.
- Burl’s calm approach: While others faltered, Burl held his composure, rotating strike and ensuring the scoreboard ticked over.
- Musekiwa’s finishing touch: The young batter sealed the deal in style, striking confident boundaries that carried Zimbabwe past the finishing line.
Earlier, Burl had also teamed up with Bennett to rescue the innings when the chase briefly went off track. Their partnerships ensured that the home side never lost sight of the target, despite Sri Lanka’s fightback.
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Sikandar Raza: The Leader and Match-Winner
Zimbabwe’s captain and talisman, Sikandar Raza, was deservedly named Player of the Match. While his individual contribution with the bat and ball wasn’t headline-grabbing, his leadership and presence were invaluable in guiding his side through a tense contest.
“We kept saying we are close to playing good cricket, it is nice to be on the other side of the result. There is a sigh of relief for everybody,” Raza said after the win.
He also credited his teammates for stepping up and expressed optimism about sealing the series in the decider.
Why This Win Matters for Zimbabwe
This victory is more than just a scoreline it’s a confidence booster for a team that has often found itself on the wrong end of tight finishes.
- Rare Triumph: This was only Zimbabwe’s second-ever T20I win over Sri Lanka, highlighting its significance.
- Psychological Edge: Heading into the decider, the hosts now have momentum and belief on their side.
- Team Growth: Performances from players like Musekiwa and Bennett show that Zimbabwe’s next generation is beginning to complement the experience of campaigners like Raza and Burl.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles Continue
For Sri Lanka, this defeat will sting. Their batting collapse exposed worrying inconsistencies in their middle order. While Chameera’s spell offered a brief lifeline, it wasn’t enough to cover the lack of runs on the board.
This loss adds to Sri Lanka’s growing list of batting failures in T20Is. With the T20 World Cup 2026 not far away, the Lankans will need to urgently address their fragile batting line-up. Players like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka must find form if Sri Lanka is to compete against stronger teams on the global stage.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Zimbabwe’s Bowlers Dominate: Restricting a side like Sri Lanka to 80 is no small feat and speaks volumes of Zimbabwe’s bowling discipline.
- Sri Lanka’s Batting Fragility: Another reminder that they lack depth and stability in their batting order.
- Pressure Partnerships Win Games: Burl, Bennett, and Musekiwa showed the value of calm heads under pressure.
- Momentum Shift: With the series tied 1–1, the decider promises to be a thrilling battle.
Looking Ahead: The Decider
The third T20I now takes on massive significance. Zimbabwe will walk into the match with renewed confidence, eyeing a rare series victory against a Test-playing nation. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, must regroup quickly to avoid further embarrassment.
For the home fans in Harare, this win is already a special memory, but the real prize lies in clinching the series. With both sides having something to prove, the decider is shaping up to be a must-watch encounter.
Final Word
Zimbabwe’s stunning victory over Sri Lanka is a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability. Matches like these highlight why fans love the sport it’s never over until the last ball is bowled.
By keeping their composure in a tense chase and showing collective discipline in the field, Zimbabwe have not only leveled the series but also reignited belief that they can stand tall against bigger cricketing nations. As the teams prepare for the finale, one thing is certain: this Zimbabwean side is no longer just participating they’re here to compete.
