HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan 2025, 2 T20- Result, Scorecard

The players are back on the field. Sikandar Raza has his players in a huddle. He will hope that his words serve as an inspiration to his side. Right. off they disperse and out walk the Lankan openers - Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Richard Ngarava has the new ball in his hand. Nissanka to face. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then. 163 to win for Sri Lanka. Can Zimbabwe pull off a rabbit off the hat with a brilliant bowling display? The run chase is on our heels.

Time to don a hat to 'Wow'indu. With a limping leg, he managed to struck the chords right again, picking up three wickets. He mixed his lengths and pace really well, foxing the batters. Here he is, talking to the host broadcaster. Hasaranga says that due to a hamstring injury he missed the last ODI match but he is feeling good now. Continues that the wicket looks good, but dew might be an issue to the bowlers. Also adds that he batted well in ODIs, but he has to do the same in this format. Ends up reckoning that the bowlers have done well and believes that the batters will chase it down.

Decent bowling performance by Sri Lanka. The fast bowlers did not leak too many runs in the Powerplay and then, the spinners kept the batters in check in the middle overs. Impressive was the way they came back after the 61-run stand for the third wicket between Raza and Bennett. If any, the only question to be asked to Shanaka would be as to why didn't he give Kamindu Mendis the ball, with the pitch offering grip. Still, he would be happy with the way his side came back.

It was looking good in the middle overs with the runs coming on nicely, albeit not that quickly, but critically, wickets kept in hand. However, Bennett fell just a run before his half century and the scenario changed. Wickets kept on tumbling and eventually, Raza, getting stranded of partners, lost his wicket too. Somehow, his team huffed and puffed its way past the 160-mark.

Zimbabwe started off their innings briskly, with Brian Bennett off to a flier. They kept losing wickets but Bennett kept them in good stead, with the Powerplay score reading 43/2. Then came the skipper, Sikandar Raza, and alongwith Bennett, quickened the tempo.

A better batting display in terms of runs on the scoreboard by Zimbabwe but they will be disappointed once again. They had a good platform set at 101/2, but ended up scoring just 61 runs in their last 45 balls, for the loss of 6 wickets. There is some kind of a hold on the pitch but it will take a really magnanimous bowling effort to defend this total.

Dushmantha Chameera to Graeme Cremer, Very full, outside off, Graeme looks to squeeze it through the off side but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg in the deep. Neither batter is interested in the second and ZIMBABWE END THEIR INNINGS ON 162/8.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tinotenda Maposa, Low full toss, tailing in, Tinotenda Maposa swings hard, but the ball goes off the inside edge towards fine leg. Single taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Graeme Cremer, Another yorker, worked towards the bowler who parries it to mid off. Just a single again.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tinotenda Maposa, Excellent yorker, around off, dug out towards long on. Just one again.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tinotenda Maposa, Full toss, outside off, driven through mid on for a couple.

Dushmantha Chameera to Graeme Cremer, Fuller, outside off, Cremer backs away to slash but gets an inside edge past the stumps. Well stopped by the keeper, with a dive to his left. Just a single.

Eshan Malinga to Graeme Cremer, Sri Lanka lose a review. A pretty full ball, around middle and leg, tailing back in, Graeme Cremer looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. Malinga appealed for LBW but the umpire shook his head. The keeper was confident as well and hence, Shanaka took the review. But Ball Tracking projected it to be missing leg stump. Leg bye signalled as the batters had also taken a run in the meanwhile. 4-0-27-2 for Malinga then.

Review time! Malinga feels that he has his man LBW but the umpire has shaken his head. Review taken by Sri Lanka. Seemed to be heading down the leg side to the naked eye. Yes, missing leg stump.

Graeme Cremer walks in next, at number 10, replacing Tashinga Musekiwa.

Eshan Malinga to Tashinga Musekiwa, OUT! BOWLED! Perfect riposte from the fast bowler after being smashed on the previous ball. Full and straight, Musekiwa swings hard but is beaten by pace. The ball skids through, goes beneath the bat and makes a mess of the stumps. Musekiwa departs for 11 (7) and from 101/2, Zimbabwe are now 154/8. 7 balls left.

Eshan Malinga to Tashinga Musekiwa, SIX! POUNDED! A short ball, around off, Tashinga Musekiwa rocks back and pulls it massively over mid-wicket.

Eshan Malinga to Tashinga Musekiwa, Slower ball, outside off, a swing and a miss.

Eshan Malinga to Tinotenda Maposa, Full, around off, driven through cover for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa walks in next, at number 9, replacing Brad Evans.

Eshan Malinga to Brad Evans, OUT! BRAD EVANS IS RUN OUT! Just not happening for Zimbabwe. There was always a couple available on this ball but still, they have got one short. On a length, outside off, Evans pushed it through point and set off running. He wanted two but had to go around the bowler, while completing his first run. For some reason, he paused at the non-striker's end. Musekiwa always wanted the second and now, Evans started to run again. But that pause cost him as Wanindu Hasaranga charged onto the ball from sweeper and returned a good throw to the keeper, who whipped the bails off. The run out appeal was referred upstairs and the replay showed that Evans was well short. He has to depart for 4 (5) and from 101/2, Zimbabwe are now 147/7! 11 balls left.

And we have a run out appeal. It looked safe to the naked eye, but you never know. Oh wow. That's why you need technology. Evans is short and it is another wicket!

Eshan Malinga to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-19-1 so far.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brad Evans, Another slower ball, outside off, on a length. Once again, Evans is foxed by the change in pace and plays the pull early. The ball comes late and goes off his body again, this time to point. A single taken, leg bye signalled.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brad Evans, A good slower ball, on a length, outside off. Brad Evans gets across and looks to help it through fine leg but is beaten for pace. The ball comes on slowly and hits his body, rolling behind to the keeper.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brad Evans, A short ball, worked through square leg for a couple.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tashinga Musekiwa, A full toss, worked through mid-wicket for a run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brad Evans, Full, outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

Brad Evans walks in next, at number 8, replacing his skipper, Sikandar Raza.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! Captain gets captain and that is an absolute stunner. Full and wide outside off, Sikandar Raza gets low under the ball and looks to go inside out. He does connect well but is not quite able to find the gap. That is because, his opposite number, is like an antelope running for its life. Dasun Shanaka charges across to his left from long off and dives full stretch, to take the catch with both hands. It is as clean as a whistle and the Lankans are bossing the game now. Second batter to miss his half century as Raza departs for 47 (32). Conceringly, for Zimbabwe, from 101/2. they have slid down to 141/6. 17 balls left.

Double change. Here's Dushmantha Chameera. 2-0-16-0 so far.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, That is excellent running! This shows the hunger of the skipper of the Chevrons! Low full toss, just outside off. Tashinga Musekiwa punches it to long off. Sikandar Raza sprints hard for the first run and gets back at the non-striker's end by putting a dive as he has to be on strike for the next over.

Nuwan Thushara to Sikandar Raza, Change of pace from Thushara, wide outside off. Sikandar Raza covers the stumps and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Even better! This time, Thushara does land the ball but Raza makes the ball land beyond the boundary. Attempted slower ball, fuller in length, around middle, the skipper picks the change in pace and gets down on a knee. Picks the bones out of that and slogs it massively over deep mid-wicket!

Nuwan Thushara to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! PLUNDERED! That is some bottom hand. A full toss, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza just uses his bottom hand and whips it through mid-wicket. Actually it is more of a short-arm jab. Splits mid-wicket and long on in the deep to perfection. Raza moves to 40 (29) with his third four.

Nuwan Thushara to Sikandar Raza, Excellent work in the deep! Short of a length, outside off. Sikandar Raza spanks it over the cover region. The ball bounces off toward the fence, but Nissanka sprints from the deep point region and slides away to save the boundary. The batters have taken a brace.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, Short of a length, on off. Tashinga Musekiwa gets on his toes and dabs it wide of the cover fielder for a single.

Nuwan Thushara returns. 2-0-14-0 so far.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tashinga Musekiwa, Googly, on middle. Tashinga Musekiwa does well to read it as he flicks it to square leg for a single.

Tashinga Musekiwa walks in next, at number 7, replacing Tony Munyonga, to face the glory ball.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tony Munyonga, OUT! LBW! Two in two for Hasaranga and he is on a hattrick. Another googly from Hasaranga and Munyonga simply does not pick it. The length is short and he looks to play it from the pitch, going back to work it to the leg side. But the ball pitches, skids through, stays low and angles down, hitting him on the pads, right in front of the sticks. Hasaranga appeals and the umpire raises his finger straightaway. It looks a dead duck to the naked eye but Munyonga wants a second look. The review is taken and actually, Ball Tracking shows the ball to be sliding down and just clip the outer half of leg stump. Not a bad review, to be honest, but umpire's call it is, on wickets hitting and Munyonga has to go for a golden duck. The game has turned upside down. From 101/2, Zimbabwe are now 124/5! 25 balls left.

Tony Munyonga walks in next, at number 6, replacing Ryan Burl.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ryan Burl, OUT! BOWLED! Oh dear... he has dragged one back on. Burl is devastated. Not just because of the dismissal but because he has made an ordinary ball into a wicket-taking one. A wrong 'un, outside off, pretty full, Brul looks to sweep it through the on side but he is so far from the ball that it takes the underedge and hits the stumps. Burl just stands there in disgust, before trudging off. He departs for 18 (11) and from 101/2, Zimbabwe are now 124/4. 26 balls left in the innings.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Flat and much fuller, on middle. Sikandar Raza skips down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ryan Burl, Short, angling away from the left-hander. Ryan Burl pushes it to cover and gets a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ryan Burl, SIX! POWERFUL! Floated, around off, from around the wicket, Ryan Burl gets down on a knee and slog-sweeps it way over mid-wicket. The ball does clear the ropes easily but a ball boy does well to take the catch cleanly. Future of Pakistan, maybe. Especially in fielding.

So Maheesh Theekshana becomes the first bowler tonight to finish off his quota of 4 overs. 1/30 in that spell, with 10 dots. Interestingly, Shanaka has not turned to Kamindu Mendis yet. Wonder, with the ball gripping onto the surface, whether it would be a good option at the death. Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl out, meanwhile. 3-0-23-1 so far.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Short again, on off. Sikandar Raza connects his punch this time, but straight toward the cover fielder. Only 3 runs coming off from the over!

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Short and around off. Sikandar Raza looks to lash it through the cover region but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Flat and fuller, on wide outside off. Sikandar Raza punches it to point.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Fuller, on leg. Ryan Burl clips it to deep backward sqaure leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Short, on off. Ryan Burl whips it to deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Fuller to start the over, around the sixth stump and spins it away from the left-hander. Burl gets on his front foot to drive hard through cover but gets the outer edge and the ball bounces off toward backward point.

Aha. So Maheesh Theekshana does get a chance to bowl out quickly. Change of ends for him. 3-0-27-1 so far.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, On a hard length, on off, angling it in. Sikandar Raza pulls it to the vacant mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs.

Eshan Malinga to Ryan Burl, Malinga pitches it up, on off. Ryan Burl drives it to mid off and gets the single.

Eshan Malinga to Ryan Burl, Slower bouncer now, on middle and leg. Ryan Burl mistimes his pull and the ball drops dead on the track.

Eshan Malinga to Ryan Burl, SIX! MURDERED! A bit too straight, around middle and leg, on a length, Ryan Burl pounces onto the length in a flash and whips it way over backward square leg.

Eshan Malinga to Ryan Burl, Eshan Malinga bangs the delivery on the deck and offer a bouncer on off. Ryan Burl arches backward to make a leave.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, Exellent running between the wickets! Yorker from Malinga, around the boots of the batter. Sikandar Raza jams it down. The ball wraps around his legs and rolls just toward the off side. He loses sight of the ball, but Burl calls for the single and they get it.

Shanaka is rotating his bowlers. Gets Eshan Malinga back on. 2-0-9-1 so far. One would have thought that Dasun would let Theekshana bowl out and get some attention to that right wrist in the dressing room. Not to be.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Fuller, on off. Sikandar Raza pushes it to wide of cover and gets another single to retain the strike for the next over.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Ryan Burl, Hasaranga drags his length back yet again, outside off. Ryan Burl goes on his back foot and punches it across the line wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Ryan Burl walks in next, at number 5, replacing Brian Bennett.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, OUT! CAUGHT! What is with Pindi and Bennett? For the second time in two games, he has been dismissed for 49! Very full, down the leg side, Bennett gets down and looks to sweep but only manages to get a top edge. Short fine leg, which is manned by Kusal Perera, jogs across to his left and takes a sitter. The 61-run stand has been broken and ZIMBABWE ARE 101/3 AFTER 12.4 OVERS!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, Short again, on off. Brian Bennett hangs back and punches it to cover.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, SIX! 50TH SIX FOR BENNETT IN T20IS! A drag down, around off, the googly, Brian Bennett rocks back and pulls it way over mid-wicket. 100 UP FOR ZIMBABWE.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Short, just outside off. Sikandar Raza punches hard at it, to beat the left of the diving cover fielder. But the sweeper cover moves to his right and provides the backup. Single taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga is back on. 2-0-14-0 so far.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Short again, pulled to deep mid-wicket for just a run. 10 from the over, 33 in the last 3!

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, TOP EDGE, FOUR! Quicker ball, around middle, Sikandar Raza gets down on a knee and plays the paddle but is beaten by pace. The ball skids through, bounces extra and takes the top edge. Short fine leg seems to be in play but luckily for Raza, it lobs over the fielder and races to the fine leg fence. 50-RUN STAND UP, IN 38 BALLS!

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple. Good stop by long on running to his right.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Full and wide outside off, hammered towards long off for a single.

Slight pause in play. Theekshana has to call the physio for the second time this evening, this time to take a look at his right wrist. Seems to be in a lot of pain. The physio is going off now, after spraying the magic spray. Theekshana is still feeling the pain though. Braving it out, is the offie.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, DROPPED! Full, around off, Bennett hammers this straight back. Theekshana reacts and tries to take it to his right, which is against his followthrough. The ball hits his hands hard but they are unable to cusp it. The ball deflects away to his right and drops down.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, The arm ball, worked through mid-wicket for a couple.

Sigh of relief in the Lankan camp. After that injury scare, Maheesh Theekshana is onto bowl. 2-0-17-1 so far.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Another long hop, pulled to deep mid-wicket for another single. 13 from Shanaka's opener.

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, On a length, outside off, punched through cover-point for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Outside off, pushed through the covers for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, This one stays low, skidding through, Raza shovels it through mid-wicket for a run.

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, SIX! HUMONGOUS! On a length, around middle and leg, Raza just plays a short-arm jab and whips this way over mid-wicket, for the first biggie of the game!

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Shorter this time, around middle and off, Brian Bennett pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Hang on. The siren goes off and that means, Shanaka has overstepped! NO BALL signalled and the next delivery will be a FREE HIT!

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, Pace off straightaway. On a length, outside off, Sikandar Raza looks to hit this over long off but the ball hits the toe end of his bat. Hence, the ball lands well short of long off. Single taken.

DRINKS BREAK. Does seem like a dual-paced pitch. The new ball seemed to come onto the bat nicely, but post the Powerplay, some of the balls have started to hold on the pitch. Only 3 overs have gone in double digits so far, which indicates that batting is difficult on this used surface, without dew as of now. Bennett has done well to hold one end up but sooner or later, he will have to change his gears. As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they are bowling well, but there could be some issues in their bowling setup. After a fielding effort, Maheesh Theekshana signalled to the dugout for the physio and has not been seen since. Not that they will miss him badly, but his bowling could be crucial at the death. Here comes the skipper, Dasun Shanaka.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, And again. Back of a length, outside off, Bennett throws his bat at it, to miss again.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, On a length, outside off, Brian Bennett flays but misses.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sikandar Raza, Ouch. That must have hit a crack. The off cutter, around off, Sikandar looks to work it through the leg side but the ball lands and then suddenly jags back sharply, staying low as well. Catches the skipper around his groin area and deflects to the off side. A leg bye taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Up and over! Short and wide outside off, Raza looks to cut and just about gets it over a leaping point fielder, for the second boundary in this over.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Full and wide outside off, flayed through the covers for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, EDGED, FOUR! A welcome boundary for Zimbabwe. First after 15 balls. Fortuituous, but they will take it. A touch short, outside off, Brian Bennett looks to cut but is beaten by pace. The ball goes off the cue end of the bat, but lands short and wide of the diving keeper, to his right and escapes to the deep third fence.

Dushmantha Chameera returns. 1-0-7-0 so far.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, A wrong 'un to finish, sliding down, Raza cannot get his flick away, getting hit on the pads.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, Full and straight, Brian gets down and across and sweeps it through fine leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, Around off, short again, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, A touch short, around off, cut towards point.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Outside off, pushed towards long off for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, A googly, outside off, Brian Bennett has a big windup and plays a massive heave-ho. The ball spins in, takes the inside edge and scoots past the leg stump. Single taken to fine leg.

Eshan Malinga to Brian Bennett, Backs away to the leg side, does Bennett and Malinga fires a yorker length ball outside off. Brian reaches out and carves it through cover-point for one.

Eshan Malinga to Brian Bennett, Very full, outside off, driven towards cover.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, Similar ball, similar shot, this time it earns just a single.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, On middle and leg, nudged through mid-wicket for a couple.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, A good bumper, around off, Raza lets it go. He looks at the square leg umpire for a wide call but does not get it.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, Full, outside off, Sikandar Raza drives it towards mid off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, Another wrong 'un, outside off, dabbed towards short third.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Another googly, punched towards long on for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, Outside off, driven towards long off for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, FOUR! IMPERIOUS! Full, outside off, Brian Bennett gets under the ball and smashes it straight back over the bowler. Long off tries to get across to his right, but the ball wins the race. 50 UP FOR ZIMBABWE!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Brian Bennett, The googly, outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. Good work in the deep by Maheesh Theekshana.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sikandar Raza, Oh Gosh! What was that? A half tracker from Hasaranga and accordingly, Raza stays back to work it to the leg side. But to his horror, the ball turns out to be a grubber. It shoots low, near ankle height and Sikandar somehow, manages to get bat on ball to work it through square leg for a single. Well played, sir. Smiles all around.

One has to say, the Powerplay has belonged to Sri Lanka. Here comes Wanindu Hasaranga.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, Nearly dragged on! Slower ball to finish, outside off, on a length, Raza looks to punch it through the off side but gets a thick inside edge which just escapes the leg stump! A single taken towards fine leg. ZIMBABWE END THEIR POWERPLAY ON 43/2!

Eshan Malinga to Brian Bennett, Full, fast, around middle, Bennett looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Takes a quick single.

Eshan Malinga to Sikandar Raza, On middle and leg, heaved behind square leg for a run.

The skipper, Sikandar Raza, walks in next at number 4, replacing Brendan Taylor.

Eshan Malinga to Brendan Taylor, OUT! BOWLED! Malinga takes three balls to strike. Full and straight, Brendan Taylor looks to work it through the leg side but gets beaten by pace. The ball rushes through, clips his right pad and deflects onto the middle stump. Taylor departs for 11 (9) and Zimbabwe are 40/2 after 5.3 overs!

Eshan Malinga to Brendan Taylor, Fuller this time, outside off, Taylor leans and carresses it behind point for a couple.

Eshan Malinga to Brendan Taylor, On a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor punches it towards point.

Double change. Eshan Malinga will bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Short of a length, wide outside off. Brian Bennett shuffles across the stumps and looks to scoop it over fine leg but misses.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, on off. Brian Bennett dabs it to cover.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brendan Taylor, In the air... just short of the fielder! Dushmantha Chameera bends his back to offer a bouncer, just outside off. Brendan Taylor opens the face of his willow to guide the delivery uppishly. But the ball doesn't have enough pace that it will go all the way over the fence. However, there is a fielder at deep third, who charges toward the skier, but luckily for Taylor, the ball drops short of the fielder. Single taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Fine shot. Short and wide again, outside off and this time Brendan Taylor does not miss out. Slaps it over point and gets his first boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brendan Taylor, Short, wide outside off, Taylor arches back and slaps it to the left of point. Does not have enough on it, so deep third will cut it off. Two runs taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brendan Taylor, On a length, outside off, the cutter being employed straightaway, Brendan Taylor looks to punch, but mistimes it towards cover-point.

Will Thushara get a third on the trot? Nope. Dushmantha Chameera gets the ball in his hand.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brendan Taylor, Full, around off. Brendan Taylor dabs it to the left of the cover fielder for a single. So a wicket and 5 runs from the over!

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Short, just outside off. Brian Bennett hangs back and punches it wide of the cover fielder, who puts a dive and makes the stop. But the batters were quick to cross the ends.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Short, on middle, angling it in. Brian Bennett nudges it into the vast gap between deep mid-wicket and long on to take a couple of runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Outside off, punched towards cover.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brendan Taylor, Full, around off, pushed through mid on for a single to get off the mark.

Brendan Taylor walks in next, at number 3, replacing Tadiwanashe Marumani.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Theekshana gets the first breakthrough. It is the carrom ball, from around the wicket, around off. Marumani looks to flick but is a tad early. Maybe, the ball held on the pitch a touch. As a result, a leading edge is induced and the ball goes straight back to the bowler, who makes no mistake. Marumani departs for 10 (6) and Zimbabwe are 26/1 after 3.1 overs!

Change? Not quite. It is Theekshana only.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Perfect yorker now, on middle. Brian Bennett cramps for room, but does well to jam it down the track.

Nuwan Thushara to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Pitches it much fuller, does Thushara, on middle and swings it into the pads of the left-hander. Tadiwanashe Marumani flicks it swiftly toward the right of the square leg fielder and gets the single.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Good-length delivery, pitching it on off and swinging it away from the right-hander. Brian Bennett slices it to deep backward point for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Tadiwanashe Marumani, On a length, around off, change in pace, Tadiwanashe looks to drive it through the off side but is a touch early. The ball comes on late and goes off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. Single taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Tadiwanashe Marumani, TOP EDGE, FOUR! Fortuitous but Zimbabwe will take it. 5th boundary in the last 7 deliveries. A quick short ball, around leg stump, Marumani looks to help it around the corner but is beaten for pace. He is halfway through his shot before the ball skids through and cramps him for room, taking the top edge. Luckily for him, it goes over the keeper, down to the fine leg fence.

Nuwan Thushara to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! HAMMERED! What a way to get off the mark. Full, around off, Tadiwanashe Marumani hammers it straight back to the bowler. Why didn't he catch it then? Because life is more precious than a wicket. Thushara realizes that it is better to preserve one's head than trying to catch a missile and ducks for cover. The ball flies over his head and rockets to the long on fence.

Well, we have already got signs why this could be a good toss to win. And, why spinners could be used very less on this wicket. No dew yet, but the ball is already travelling.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, FOUR! SHOT! 12 runs from the over after a good first over. Much fuller this time, from Maheesh Theekshana, just outside off. Brian Bennett plants his front foot toward the delivery and drills it through cover for four more runs. That's three boundaries in this over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Right into the blockhole, on leg. Brian Bennett does well to jam it to the left of the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Fuller, just outside off. Brian Bennett stabs it to cover.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, FOUR MORE! Good cricket by Bennett. He expects the bowler to keep the length short after the previous ball and hence, is camped and ready in his crease. Gets the short ball and punches it between cover and mid off for consecutive boundaries.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, FOUR! FETCH THAT! This one is gone too. The ball, that is. Pushed through quicker, outside off, but way too full. Bennett leans and crashes it over cover for the first boundary of the game.

Gone. Slip, that is. After the previous shot, Shanaka quickly realizes that there is no point in keeping a close catcher on this wicket.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Full, outside off, drifting in, Brian Bennett comes forward and drives, but finds cover.

That was a good, tight opening over from Thushara. There was not much swing, but he managed to keep it consistently honing with pace, with accuracy. Spin from the other end, in the form of Maheesh Theekshana.

Nuwan Thushara to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Thushara pitches it up, on off. Tadiwanashe Marumani lunges halfway and punches it to mid off for no runs. Three runs off the over. A good start from Sri Lanka!

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, First runs off the bat and Brian Bennett is underway! Much fuller from Thushara, on off. Brian Bennett, with no such footwork, punches it past the cover fielder, but he does well to sprint back and slides to keep the ball in play. Three runs taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Fourth dot delivery off the over! Fuller, on off and middle. Brian Bennett hangs back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Hat-trick! Of plays and misses, that is. Full marks to Thushara for keeping on bowling in that channel. Brian tries to push again, but misses once more.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, And again. Similar line and length, only this time, there was a bit of late away movement. Bennett chooses to stay on the back foot and try to guide it behind on the off side but misses again.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Full and outside off, hint of outswing, Brian Bennett looks to drive it through the off side but is beaten by pace and is late on the shot. Misses.

The umpires take their places on the field. Out come the players from Sri Lanka behind them, spreading out onto the field. Additionally, this is the 50TH T20I TO BE PLAYED IN PAKISTAN. Right, now come the two openers from Zimbabwe - Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. It will be Nuwan Thushara to kick things off to Bennett first up. Here we go!

Time for the national anthems. It will be Zimbabwe's anthem to be sung first. Right, 'Apa Sri Lanka Namo Namo Matha' has also been sung and we are now and truly ready for Thursday's cricketing action to kick off in Pindi. Believe it or not, this is the FIRST T20I TRI-SERIES IN PAKISTAN! So this series already has a historic tag attached to it. Imagine what would happen if we actually see an upset taking place. In a normal world, for this match, Zimbabwe beating Sri Lanka would be considered an upset.

Historically, a Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe clash tends to invoke the feeling of a one-sided game, but recently, these two sides were involved in a compelling white-ball series in Zimbabwe, which did go in Sri Lanka's favour but not without the hosts giving a fight in almost every game. In fact, in the second T20I, the hosts blew away the Islanders for a paltry 80, which is the confidence they would be taking into this match.

KUSAL PERERA is up for a chat with the broadcasters. He mentions that he has played in the Pakistan Super League a few times, where the weather was quite chilly, but it's even colder now. Adds that he's been dealing with a right shoulder injury and is undergoing rehabilitation, but making good progress, feeling better than expected. Perera adds that the type of cricket being played greatly influences the strategy, sometimes requiring an aggressive approach, while other times it's about protecting one's wicket.

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja is with Bazid Khan to inspect the pitch. Bazid sys that this looks more like the usual Rawalpindi, where the ball will skip onto the bat. Adds that there are cracks but not wide ones. Agrees with Shanaka that if there is dew, then bowlers will find it difficult. On the par total, Khan feels that Zimbabwe need to get a minimum of 170. Then, quickly adds that the side needs to get 20 over par to counter for the dew. Ends by saying that it is difficult ground to defend, so the best way is to bowl first here.

The captain of Zimbabwe, SIKANDAR RAZA, says that Zimbabwe didn't score much runs in the previous match which pushed them onto the back foot, but stresses that today, they have come prepared. Raza further explains that each team member has a specific role to play. He reveals that initially, he was slated to bat at number 3 in the previous game but the side lost a wicket at a crucial juncture. Consequently, he was set to bat at number 4, but when he saw the left-arm spinner being brought on, he thought it wise to bat alongside a right-handed partner to create a left-right combination, thereby explaining that the batting order is flexible.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, DASUN SHANAKA, says that it is used pitch but he is choosing to field due to the expectations of dew later on in the evening. Adds that there are a few players from this squad who featured in the ODIs, so their experience in these conditions would be useful. On the plans for this match, Shanaka smiles and says that those would be to try and restrict Zimbabwe to as low a total as possible and cheekily adds that those would also include the wicket of Sikandar Raza!

Zimbabwe (Unchanged Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (WK), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava and Graeme Cremer.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they have decided to BOWL first.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are set to open their campaign in this tri-series. After their Asia Cup sojourn, they were completely outwashed by Pakistan in three match ODI series. But this is completely a different format, so we might expect them to make a comeback from their remorse. Their openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, will look forward to provide a dream start to their side and the middle order will look forward to build on that start. But the bowling department needs to put on some extra effort. They didn't perform up to the mark in their previous series despite having spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga and the likes of Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka will aim to stamp their authority early and lay down a marker in their first appearance of the tournament. So, which team are you supporting? Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Zimbabwe come into this fixture with a loss after facing Pakistan in the opening game of this tri-series. The Chevrons' bowlers showed discipline against Pakistan, while their top order displayed flashes of promise. The team will once again look to their in-form performers like Sikandar Raza, who continues to shine with both bat and ball from his recent international outings, and Brad Evans, whose rhythm with the ball has been a huge positive. If their middle order can complement the good starts, Zimbabwe could push Sri Lanka hard.

Hello and a very warm welcome to all the cricket fans joining us for the second exciting clash in the 2025 T20 Tri-Series in Pakistan, where Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe in what promises to be a high tempo contest. With Pakistan having edged the Chevrons in a tense finish in their previous encounter, the series has already shown its competitive edge, setting the perfect stage for today’s matchup.

... MATCHDAY ...

Highways are the arteries of a nation's infrastructure, driving economic mobility and progress. But in cricket, when we talk about highways, one name instantly dominates the conversation. Rawalpindi. And no, we're not joking. Experts and cricketing pundits have branded it so for years. While the tag might be debated, the 'Pindi wicket has earned its reputation as one of the flattest, most batting-friendly surfaces in world cricket. Yet here's the beautiful paradox. This very highway produced some of the most fearsome fast bowlers the game has ever seen. Shoaib Akhtar, the Rawalpindi Express himself, and the crafty Sohail Tanvir didn't just thrive here. These blokes made life difficult for the batters in the hay every now and then, forging with the batter’s egos at times, with their sheer pace and velocity generation. Ahh! Nostalgia kicking in. But nostalgia aside, the landscape has shifted. What we're witnessing now is a whole new pool of explosive talent armed with modern power-hitting, fearless intent, and the audacity to dismantle any bowling attack. Tri-series are still an intact part of the cricketing landscape. While they might not be frequent, it is great to see. Pakistan, the hosts, drew first blood in the series opener against the Chevrons in a rather dominating manner. And now, after a day’s break, Zimbabwe will be back in action against Sri Lanka, who will be playing their first-ever T20I at this venue. They faced a humbling ODI series defeat to Pakistan last week and will be desperate to make amends in the shorter format. But before the fireworks begin, Sri Lanka have been hit with disruption. Their original captain, Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have both been ruled out due to illness, forcing late changes to the squad. In Asalanka's absence, the armband returns to Dasun Shanaka, the former white-ball skipper who now finds himself thrust back into leadership with little time to settle. The reshuffle doesn't end there. Pavan Rathnayake has been drafted in as cover, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth gets the nod with Wanindu Hasaranga still nursing the hamstring tightness that flared up during the ODI series. It's a patched-up Sri Lankan side walking into this tri-series. Apart from these changes, the squad is more or less the same. Three frontline pacers led by the speedy Dushmantha Chameera, and accompanied by the slingy Nuwan Thushara, along with Eshan Malinga, whereas Maheesh Theekshana will spearhead whatever spin is at their disposal. But Sri Lanka's real weapon? Their top order. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have been in solid touch this year, providing the kind of explosive starts that set platforms and demoralise attacks. Both are expected to shoulder the scoring burden upfront, especially with the middle order needing stability. On the other side of the camp, Zimbabwe might just be the most overworked team in world cricket right now. They've been on a relentless grind, hopping from series to series, format to format, with barely any time to breathe. But that exposure will only sharpen them. Sure, they lost to a full-strength Pakistan in the series opener, but as the cliche goes, there are always positives to squeeze out. And Zimbabwe have plenty. The opening pair of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a solid launchpad, attacking with intent and setting the tone. The problem? The middle order crumbled. Sikandar Raza has been carrying the load almost single-handedly, but it's high time the rest step up and own their roles. On the bowling front, there's real promise. Brad Evans and Graeme Cremer were relentless in the Powerplay, while Richard Ngarava added bite. If Zimbabwe can get their middle order firing and maintain that early aggression with the ball, they're dangerous. These two teams met recently in a T20I series in Harare, which was won by the Lankans 2-1. But given the experience of playing four matches out of ten overall T20Is played at Rawalpindi, the Chevrons just might know a thing or two more about the deck. Can they spring a surprise and beat a patched-up Lankan side? Another delicious contest is up on the cards.