Kamindu rescues SL in narrow win over Zimbabwe: 1st T20 (Harare)

Kamindu Mendis’s power hitting was the difference as Sri Lanka opened their three-match T20I series in style with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe made a bright start through opener Brian Bennett, who struck a fluent 81 off 57 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. He was well supported by Sikandar Raza’s 28 from 18 and Ryan Burl’s quick 17, helping the hosts reach a competitive 175/7 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the workload, with Nuwan Thushara and Dasun Shanaka among the wicket-takers, although they struggled to fully contain Bennett’s stroke play.

In the chase, Sri Lanka wobbled after a strong start. Pathum Nissanka struck a composed 55 off 42 balls, striking seven boundaries. Wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the game finely balanced as Sri Lanka slid from 96-0 to 125-5.

Kamindu Mendis turned the tide in dramatic fashion. Walking in with the required rate climbing, he blasted 41 not out off just 16 deliveries, hammering five fours and two sixes to finish the contest with 5 balls remaining. His explosive cameo earned him Player of the Match and ensured Sri Lanka finished on 177/6.

The win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka 177 for 6 (Nissanka 55, Kamindu 41, Ngarava 2-19) beat Zimbabwe 175 for 7 (Bennett 81, Chameera 3 for 30) by four wickets.

Aug 2025.