Pathum Nissanka struck a fluent 55 as Sri Lanka chased down Zimbabwe’s 175 to claim a four-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 international in Harare on Wednesday. The opener’s innings set the tone before Kamindu Mendis provided the late fireworks that sealed the result with five balls to spare.
Zimbabwe, asked to bat, were led by Brian Bennett who hit a superb 81 at the top of the order. His knock, which fell just short of his personal best, featured confident stroke play until a yorker from Dushmantha Chameera uprooted his middle stump as he attempted a scoop shot. Chameera finished with three wickets for 30 runs, while only captain Sikandar Raza, with 28, offered any substantial support. Zimbabwe closed on 175 for seven from their 20 overs, a competitive but chaseable total.
Nissanka, fresh from starring in the ODI series, carried his form into the shorter format with a 32-ball half-century, his 15th in T20 internationals. He struck four fours and two sixes before falling to a top edge off Tinotenda Maposa, caught behind by Tadiwanashe Marumani. His dismissal sparked a wobble as Sri Lanka slipped from 96 for two to 106 for four, losing four wickets for just 10 runs.
The chase, however, was steadied by Mendis, who produced an unbeaten 41 from just 16 balls. His explosive knock included four sixes and swung momentum firmly back in Sri Lanka’s favour. Dushan Hemantha added valuable support with 14 not out as the visitors reached their target in the final over.
Richard Ngarava impressed with the ball for Zimbabwe, taking two for 19 in his four overs, but it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from drawing first blood in the three-match series. The sides will meet again on Saturday and Sunday at Harare Sports Club.
