Sri Lanka endured a nightmarish collapse as they were bundled out for just 80 — their second-lowest total in T20I cricket — before Zimbabwe coasted to a five-wicket victory in the second match of the three-match series on Saturday. The result gave Zimbabwe an unassailable 2-0 lead and left Sri Lanka nursing one of their most embarrassing defeats in the format.
Pace Duo Sparks Sri Lanka’s Freefall
Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans set the tone early, ripping through Sri Lanka’s top order during the Power-play. Muzarabani, finding his rhythm after a subdued first outing, struck twice to dismiss Kusal Mendis and Nuwanidu Fernando. Evans complemented him with pace and precision, bouncing out Pathum Nissanka and producing a blistering yorker to clean up Kamil Mishara.
By the sixth over, Sri Lanka were reeling at 37 for 4, a collapse from which they never recovered.
Raza Spins the Web Tight
If Zimbabwe’s pacers rattled Sri Lanka, Sikandar Raza slammed the door shut. With relentless accuracy and variations, the all-rounder claimed three wickets — including captain Charith Asalanka — without conceding a single boundary in his four overs. His miserly spell of 3 for 11 broke the spine of the middle order and sealed his Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka’s downfall came from playing good cricket against us. We believed in our abilities, and this win will give us more belief moving forward.
Sri Lanka’s Captain Left Frustrated
Skipper Charith Asalanka admitted his side had themselves to blame.
We lost too many wickets in the Power-play. That’s not the start we wanted. I thought it was a 130-140 pitch. In this format, 80 is not enough.
Chameera’s Burst in Vain
With only 80 to defend, Sri Lanka needed a miracle. Dushmantha Chameera briefly sparked one, dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani, Sean Williams and Raza in a fiery spell. A dropped catch by Asalanka off Tashinga Musekiwa, however, proved fatal. Musekiwa steadied Zimbabwe with a lively unbeaten 21 off 14, guiding his side home with 29 balls to spare.
A Night to Forget for Sri Lanka
The five-wicket defeat wasn’t just about the scoreline but the manner of capitulation. Sri Lanka’s batting lacked partnerships, their middle order folded without resistance, and their response to both pace and spin was toothless. For Zimbabwe, it was a commanding performance that showcased both depth and discipline.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 80 all out in 17.4 overs (Kamil Mishara 20, Charith Asalanka 18; Sikandar Raza 3-11, Brad Evans 2-15) Zimbabwe 84/5 in 15.2 overs (Tashinga Musekiwa 21*, Ryan Burl 20; Dushmantha Chameera 3-19, Binura Fernando 1-14). Zimbabwe won by five wickets.
