Sri Lanka managed to recover from a humiliating '80 all-out' nightmare and handed Zimbabwe a hefty eight-wicket defeat in the third T20I in Harare on September 7, Sunday. With this Sri Lanka sealed the three-match T20I series 2-1, which came right ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
Batting first Zimbabwe rode on Tadiwanashe Marumani's 44-ball 51 to post a stiff total of 191/8. In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the target with eight wickets and 14 balls to spare, thanks to Kamil Mishara's 43-ball 73.
The series was locked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka's nightmarish five-wicket defeat to Zimbabwe in the second T20I, the hosts had a task cut out to salvage their pride by wrapping up the series
Zimbabwe, while batting first, posted a competitive total of 191 for eight in their 20 overs. While their innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, the Sri Lankan bowlers managed to maintain control in the final overs, preventing the hosts from reaching an even higher score.
In response, Sri Lanka's batting lineup showed significant improvement after being bowled out for just 80 runs in the previous match. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got the team off to a strong start with a 58-run partnership. After their departure, Kamil Mishara took control with a blistering 73 off 43 balls, supported by a quick 46 off 26 deliveries from Kusal Perera. Ultimately, Sri Lanka chased down the 192-run target with ease, finishing with 193 for two in just 17.4 overs. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets, but the home side struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen throughout the innings.
Sri Lanka will not head for Asia Cup 2025 and will start their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13. They will then take on Hong Kong and Afghanistan on September 15 and September 18 respectively in Group B.
Sri Lanka's Asia Cup squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.