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Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe created history at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo as they registered their first-ever T20I win over Sri Lanka. Luke Jongwe turned out to be Zimbabwe's finisher with help from Clive Mandande as veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews was hit for 24 runs in the final over including three sixes and a four. The win helped Zimbabwe level the series 1-1.
In the final over, Zimbabwe required 20 runs. Mathews was given the ball and he erred straightaway. He overstepped and Jongwe hit the slower ball for a six. On the free-hit delivery, he hit a four. Under pressure, Matthews fired it in the slog and Jongwe muscled it over long-on for another six. With three runs needed off the last four balls, Jongwe failed to connect. After the dot ball, Maheesh Theekshana dropped an easy catch as Jongwe and Madande scampered for a single. On the penultimate delivery, Madande hit it over deep midwicket to finish the game with a six.
Earlier, in the run chase of 174, Craig Ervine scored 70 runs from 54 balls including six fours and two sixes. In the middle overs, Zimbabwe lost too many wickets before lower-order batters Jongwe and Madande pulled off a memorable run chase. Jongwe remained unbeaten for 25 off 12 balls.
Earlier, Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first. In the second over, Blessing Muzarabani got rid of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. In the fifth over, Sri Lanka were reduced to 27/4. Charith Asalanka and Mathews' 118-run partnership helped Sri Lanka recover. Asalanka scored 69 runs from 39 balls including five fours and three sixes. Mathews remained not out on 66 off 51 balls and helped Sri Lanka post 173/6.
“I don't think I have enough voice to describe what happened tonight, really happy for all my teammates. For the past 3 months I have been practicing these situations wanting to finish games for my country and grateful to God and glad that it came off today,” Jongwe said in the post-match presentation as he was adjudged ‘Player of the match’.
On the other hand, Wanindu Hasaranga blamed the top four batters and defended his decision to give the 20th over to Mathews.
“I think our top five batters should take more responsibility, Angelo and Charith played brilliantly with the bat. Top four batters should take more responsibility in the powerplay and we can't be conceding so many wickets in the powerplay. I trust Angelo and unfortunately, it didn't come off with the ball tonight,” Hasaranga said.
The decider of the series will be played at the same venue on January 18.
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