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In a decisive third and final T20I match, Sri Lanka's captain Wanindu Hasaranga delivered an outstanding performance, taking four wickets to guide his team to a series-clinching 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. The match, played on the hosts' turf, witnessed Sri Lanka dominating Zimbabwe with a nine-wicket triumph.
Zimbabwe, after choosing to bat first, faced a daunting challenge from the Sri Lankan bowlers and were all out for just 82 runs. This total marked their lowest in T20 International history, leaving a significant 35 balls unplayed. The Sri Lankan bowling lineup, spearheaded by Hasaranga, displayed a potent combination of skill and aggression.
In pursuit of the modest target of 83 runs, Sri Lanka effortlessly achieved victory, with opener Pathum Nissanka hitting the winning six. The team concluded the chase at 88-1, with a substantial 55 balls remaining. Nissanka's unbeaten 39 off 23 balls, embellished with five boundaries and a six, was a highlight of Sri Lanka's batting. Kusal Mendis, the only Sri Lankan wicket to fall, contributed a valuable 33 runs before being dismissed by Zimbabwe's left-arm spinner Sean Williams.
Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka's seamer, also played a crucial role early in the match, securing 2 wickets for just 15 runs in two overs. Mathews' performance included dismissing Craig Ervin early in the innings.
Zimbabwe initially showed promise with Brian Bennett and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe putting together a quick 34-run partnership for the second wicket. However, their effort was short-lived as Mathews returned to dismiss Bennett for 29. Zimbabwe's innings then rapidly collapsed, losing seven wickets for only 31 runs, including a dramatic sequence of three wickets in consecutive deliveries across different overs. Kamunhukamwe, after scoring 12, was caught by Kusal Mendis off Maheesh Theekshana, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 51-3.
This match marked Zimbabwe's lowest T20 International score since their 2010 game against New Zealand, where they managed only 84 runs. Despite this loss, Zimbabwe had earlier achieved a milestone in the series, securing their first-ever T20 win against Sri Lanka in a thrilling last-over finish in the second match. The series overall showcased moments of brilliance and resilience from both teams, ultimately culminating in Sri Lanka's emphatic win in the finale.
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