Zimbabwe crush Sri Lanka by 67 runs to claim first win in tri-nation series

Zimbabwe sealed their first victory of the Tri-Nation Series with a commanding 67-run win over Sri Lanka in the second match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 162 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Brian Bennett led the charge with a fluent 49, featuring five fours and a six, while skipper Sikandar Raza added a valuable 47 off just 31 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes to lift the innings.

Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up 3 for 32, while Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets. Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana took one apiece.

Chasing 163, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained Zimbabwean pressure and were bundled out for just 95 runs. Apart from captain Dasun Shanaka, who top-scored with 34, none of the Sri Lankan batters could make a meaningful contribution—nine players failed to reach double figures.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Brad Evans producing an outstanding spell of 3 wickets for only 9 runs. Richard Ngarava added two wickets, while four other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each to complete the demolition.

With this emphatic win, Zimbabwe have firmly opened their account in the Tri-Nation Series and injected fresh excitement into the tournament.