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RAWALPINDI: Sikandar Raza’s all-round show powered Zimbabwe to a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the T20I tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing 163, Sri Lanka’s batting line faltered and were bowled for only 95 on the last ball of the final over.
Zimbabwe bowlers inflicted a miserable start on them as the Irelanders were 25-3 in 6.1 overs.
Nissanka’s horror run on the Pakistan tour continued as he could not open his account, while Kusal Perera (4) followed him after in the second over. It was cheery on top for Chevrons as Kusal Mendis was run out after scoring six.
Zimbabwe continued with impressive bowling and did not allow any of the batters to settle, except skipper Dasun Shanaka, who remained the top-scorer.
Shanaka made 34 from 25 with the aid of two sixes and two fours.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans starred with the ball and picked up three wickets. Richard Ngarava also chipped in with two, whereas Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and Graeme Cremer scalped one apiece.
Earlier, Brian Bennett’s 49 from 42 and Sikandar Raza’s brisk 47 off 32 helped Zimbabwe post a respectable total.
Put into bat first, Zimbabwe managed to score 162-8 at the end of their 20 overs.
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 26 for the opening wicket in 3.1 overs before the latter was caught and bowled for 10 off Maheesh Theekshana’s bowling.
Brendan Taylor was the second to go after managing just 11 from nine, bowled by Eshan Malinga to leave Chevrons 40-2 in 5.3 overs.
With two wickets down in the power play, skipper Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease and stitched a 61-run partnership with Bennett. The pair took the score over the 100-run mark in 12 overs before Wanindu Hasaranga broke the threatening stand.
Bennet hit five fours and a six in his knock. Zimbabwe were eyeing a big total with wickets in hand; however, the Islanders made a strong comeback with quick wickets in the last phase of the innings.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga remained the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name. Eshan Malinga also supported him well with two scalps.
