ZIMBABWE bounced back in style to register a commanding five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club on Friday, dismissing the visitors for just 80 before chasing down the target in 14.2 overs.
Sri Lanka, who had won the toss, collapsed against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack. Blessing Muzarabani struck early to remove Kusal Mendis for one and Nuwanidu Fernando for a single, while Brad Evans dismissed Pathum Nissanka for eight and later bowled Kamil Mishara for 20.
Captain Sikandar Raza took charge in the middle overs, claiming three wickets for 11, including Charith Asalanka (18), Kamindu Mendis (0) and Dushmantha Chameera (0). Sean Williams also chipped in with the key wicket of Dasun Shanaka, caught for 15. Sri Lanka folded for 80 in 17.4 overs, their lowest T20I total against Zimbabwe.
Chasing a modest target, Zimbabwe lost early wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani made 17 before falling to Chameera, while Williams and Raza both departed cheaply. Brian Bennett added 19, but his dismissal left the hosts at 53 for four.
Ryan Burl steadied the innings with an unbeaten 20 off 22 balls, supported by Tashinga Musekiwa’s quickfire 21 from 14 deliveries. The pair guided Zimbabwe to 84 for five, sealing victory with 34 balls remaining.
After the match, skipper Raza praised his side’s resilience and backed the team’s growing belief.
“The good thing about playing good cricket is that cricket rewards you back. We have been playing good cricket. We were a bit upset with the losses because we got close in the previous three games. But we weren’t panicking. Hopefully this win will give us belief,” Raza said.
He also singled out his bowlers, particularly Muzarabani, who bounced back strongly after a tough outing in the first match.
“The good thing in this environment is that we believe in the players’ abilities. Anyone can have a bad day [as Blessing did in the previous game] but he came back today. We’ve got to be even better tomorrow. We deserve to win a series because we’ve been playing quality cricket,” Raza added.
