Pathum Nissanka delivered a masterclass performance with an unbeaten 98 to guide Sri Lanka to a crucial nine-wicket triumph over Zimbabwe in the tri-nation T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday night. The emphatic victory keeps the Islanders’ hopes alive for reaching the November 29 final.
Match-Winning Knock
Chasing a modest target of 147, Nissanka anchored Sri Lanka’s response with clinical precision, reaching the total in just 16.2 overs. His magnificent innings featured 11 boundaries and four sixes across 58 deliveries, marking his second-highest T20I score behind his record-breaking 107 against India in September.
The knock also elevated Nissanka to 2,326 career runs, surpassing Kusal Perera (2,305) as Sri Lanka’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer. His score equals the joint-fifth highest individual total for Sri Lanka in the format, matching Mahela Jayawardene’s 98 against West Indies in 2010.
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Bowling Excellence
Sri Lanka’s spin attack laid the foundation for victory, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each claiming 2-23 in their four-over spells. Their disciplined bowling restricted Zimbabwe to 146-5, despite late resistance from Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 37.
After Kamil Mishara’s early dismissal, Nissanka partnered with Kusal Mendis (25 not out) for an unbroken 89-run stand off 64 balls. The opener sealed the victory in style, launching consecutive boundaries off Richard Ngarava with 22 balls remaining.
Final Qualification
Sri Lanka now faces Pakistan in a do-or-die encounter on Thursday, November 27. Victory would secure their final berth, while defeat would hand Zimbabwe qualification regardless of their earlier results. The winner advances to face the tournament leaders in Saturday’s championship match.
