HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe 3 T20I Series 2025, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! Zimbabwe players are in a huddle where Sikandar Raza is giving them a last-minute pep talk before they take the field. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are the two openers for Sri Lanka. Richard Ngarava will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

It was a mixed outing with the ball for Sri Lanka. Dushmantha Chameera struck early but the Powerplay proved expensive, while Maheesh Theekshana also chipped in with a wicket but wasn’t at his best. Debutant Dushan Hemantha impressed, picking up a key wicket and keeping things tight, showing plenty of promise on his first outing. Chameera was easily their standout, finishing with three wickets and delivering a brilliant spell at the death, but the rest struggled to contain the flow of runs. The chase won’t be straightforward, though, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers know these conditions well and will look to make the most of them. Stay tuned for the chase!

The man of the moment, Brian Bennett of Zimbabwe, who scored a fine half-century, is up for a quick chat. He says that he’s not too sure about calling it freedom, but in T20 cricket, you definitely get more chances to express yourself and take a few risks. At the same time, he believes sticking to the simple things often works better. Points out that dot balls in the Powerplay can put you under real pressure, so rotating the strike was crucial to keeping the momentum going. Talking about the surface, he says it was a pretty good wicket with the ball coming onto the bat nicely, which allowed them to start well with 50 in the first six overs. Admits that he was aiming for something around 180–190, but overall, he’s happy with the total they managed to put on the board.

Despite losing an early wicket, Zimbabwe got off to a brisk start, though they did have a few strokes of luck along the way. Brian Bennett took the attack to the bowlers, with Sean Williams chipping in with a lively cameo. The real momentum shift came when Bennett and Sikandar Raza joined forces, punishing anything loose while smartly rotating the strike and pinching doubles to keep the fielders under pressure. Their 50-run stand was broken when Raza departed, but Bennett carried on unfazed, bringing up a classy half-century and stitching together another 51-run partnership with Ryan Burl. Bennett finished with a superb 81 off 57 deliveries, but Zimbabwe couldn’t quite find the finishing flourish they were looking for in the closing overs and had to settle for 175.

A solid batting effort from Zimbabwe! They might feel they left a few runs out there, considering the platform they had, but this is still a competitive total. They were in full control for most of the innings, only to lose a bit of steam at the death. Credit to Sri Lanka for clawing their way back in the closing overs and snatching some momentum, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers have plenty to work with.

Nuwan Thushara to Tinotenda Maposa, Zimbabwe end their innings with a score of 175/7, pretty decent one. A full toss, around off, Tinotenda Maposa drills it to the left of long on and pushes his partner to take two runs. Both batters reach to their respective creases in time as the throw was a bit slow to the batting end.

Tinotenda Maposa comes out to face the last ball.

Nuwan Thushara to Brad Evans, OUT! TONY MUNYONGA IS RUN OUT! Another pace off delivery, very full and outside off, Brad Evans stays leg side of the ball, reaches out to swing hard at it but misses. Tony Munyonga wants to have a quick single and calls his partner. But the keeper Kusal Mendis remains alert behind the wickets as he collects to his right and scores an underarm direct hit at the batting end, where Tony falls short but miles. Zimbabwe are 173/7 and Tony Munyonga walks back for a diamond duck.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust and Zimbabwe are six down. Full and way outside off, and it seems to be a slower one. Tashinga Musekiwa shuffles across a long way and looks to scoop it, but gets too close to the pitch of the ball and also gets deceived by the lack of pace on it. The ball lobs up behind the wickets off the upper half of the bat, and the keeper, Kusal Mendis, moves quickly to his right and grabs it. Mendis also scores an underarm direct hit at the batting end as if there is no bat involved in any case. But the third umpire is called in, and he confirms that there was some bat involved after watching replays. Tashinga Musekiwa walks back for 11(6) and Zimbabwe are 173/6. Also, Brad Evans comes out to the middle now.

Zimbabwe are once again failing to finish well with the bat, which we also saw in the ODI series.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, WIDE! Fires in a yorker but wide outside the tramline on the off side, Tashinga Musekiwa leaves it. Called a wide.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, Bowled it full and outside off, Tashinga slices it off the outer half of the bat to the right of deep backward point and collects two more runs.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, FOUR MORE! This is good hitting! Full and drifting in around leg, Tashinga Musekiwa remains leg side of the ball, clears his front leg away, picks it up and smokes it in the gap towards deep backward square leg for a one-bounce boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Tashinga Musekiwa, FOUR! Some lucky runs for Zimbabwe. Full and arounTashinga Musekiwa clears out his front leg and swings hard at it. Gets a leading edge which flies all the way over the short third fielder for a boundary. These are valuable runs for Zimbabwe.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, OUT! BOWLED'EM! GONE! The entertainment from Brian Bennett is over, and Dushmantha Chameera ends his spell with a three-fer. Chameers bowls it very full again, almost a yorker, around middle from over the wicket. Brian Bennett shuffles a long way across and looks to scoop it but misses and fails to reach out to lay any bat on the ball. The ball goes past the underedge of the bat and rattles the middle stump. Nevertheless, Brian walks back after an impressive innings of 81 off 57 balls and Zimbabwe are 162/5. Also, Tony Munyonga walks out to the middle now.

Zimbabwe will be eying something around 175. Dushmantha Chameera has done well to pull things back a bit for Sri Lanka.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, WIDE! Full but wide outside off this time, Brian shuffles a touch but leaves it. Called a wide.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tashinga Musekiwa, Another yorker, outside off, Tashinga squeezes it to deep third for a single. Dushmantha Chameera has been really good with his lengths.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tashinga Musekiwa, Another searing yorker, outside off, TM fails to dig out as he misses his shot on its way to the keeper.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ryan Burl, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! The misery of Ryan Burl comes to an end and Zimbabwe lose their fourth. Chameera attacks the stumps and keeps the length very full, around middle from around the wicket. Ryan Burl shuffles across and looks to ramp it over short fine but misses. The ball goes over the upper half of the bat and crashes into the middle stump. Burl goes back for 18(15) and Zimbabwe are 160/4. Also, Tashinga Musekiwa is the next man in.

The crowd just wants Brian Bennett on strike as they want him to score a memorable hundred here.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ryan Burl, WIDE! Bowled it full but drifting down the leg side, Ryan swings at it but misses. Called a wide.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Much fuller and outside off, squeezed away to deep point for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ryan Burl, Goes for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, around off, drilled down the ground towards long off and both batters take the first run hard. They wanted second but got denied by a good throw of the fielder.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, NOT OUT! Full and around off, Brian Bennett comes forward and drills it to the left of long on and calls for two immediately. Both batters run hard and the throw to the bowling end was a bit wide and though Maheesh whips the bails off but Ryan Burl makes it to his crease with a full length dive as the third umpire confirms it.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Fires in a yorker, outside off, Brian looks to jam it out but misses.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Bye! Very full and outside off, Burl tries to reach out but misses. The keeper also misses to collect it to his left and concedes a bye behind the wickets.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Much full and around middle, Brian drills it to the left of the bowler, who gets his fingertips on it but the ball rolls away to long off. A single taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Leg bye! Short and down leg, Ryan Burl looks to heave it away but misses. The ball gets deflected to short fine off his thigh pad and they take a leg bye. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it. The keeper fails to collect it and parries away to short third. Batters take a bye and it is called a wide.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Good effort, but it goes in vain! Short and around middle, Brian Bennett presses back and lofts it straight down the ground. Dasun Shanaka runs across to his left and dives with his extended left arm to take a catch, but ends up parrying it away over the ropes on the bounce. The third umpire is called in and he confirms that it is a boundary. 150 up for Zimbabwe!

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Chameera again bowls a wide yorker, outside off, Brian reaches out and gets an outside edge that runs down to deep third. A single taken but this was an excellent over from Dushmantha Chameera.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, A swing and a miss! A bit of dragged back length and outside off, Brian throws his hands at it and looks to loft it over covers but connects with thin air only. Three dots in a row.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Another dot, hmm, interesting. Full and wide outside off, Brian looks to drive it at first, but then leaves it in, thinking of getting a wide, but the umpire calls it a legal delivery.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Nagging length and outside off, Brian Bennett shuffles across a long way and looks to scoop it but misses.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, WIDE! Lands it full but just outside the tramline on the off side, Brian leaves it. Called a wide.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, FOUR! DISMISSIVE! On a length and outside off, and it seems to be a slower one as well. Brian Bennett waits for it and gets on top of the bounce before smacking it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Ryan Burl, A yorker, angling in, around middle, Burl manages to drill it to long on for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-18-1) is back on.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Short and outside off, chopped out towards extra cover for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Not where he intended to be but Burl won't mind it. Short and outside off, Ryan Burl throws his hands at it and looks to punch it but gets it sliced off the outer half of the bat in the gap between backward point and short third. The ball races away to the boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Very full and around middle, Brian drills it to the right of the diving bowler for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Nagging length and outside off, Burl looks to punch it but gets an undereged past the keeper to his left for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ryan Burl, Slower and fuller, around middle, Ryan Burl looks to play an on-drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat in the gap towards deep square leg. Both batters push each other and take two runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Short and around middle, Brian nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Quicker, short and around off, Brian Bennett gives the charge again and forces it to long off for one more. Dushan Hemantha finishes a fine spell on debut with figures of 4-0-28-1.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Up and over! Dushan Hemantha sees the batter advance and drags his length back, outside off. Brian Bennett just extends his arms to reach for it and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary.

Dushan Hemantha to Ryan Burl, Short again and on off, Ryan Burl stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for another run.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Goes short and around off, Brian Bennett punches it to sweeper covers for a run.

Dushan Hemantha to Ryan Burl, Flighted, full and on middle, Ryan Burl drills it to long off for a single.

Dushan Hemantha to Ryan Burl, Tossed up, full and on leg, Dushan Hemantha tucks it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Change? No, Dushan Hemantha to bowl out.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Bangs in a good bouncer around off, Brian Bennett lets it go.

Dasun Shanaka to Ryan Burl, Hits the length hard and around off, Ryan Burl miscues his heave down to long off for a run. He is yet to find his timing here.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Short of a length and on off, Brian Bennett stabs it to extra cover for another run.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Nicely done! A low full toss, on off, Brian Bennett opens the face of the bat and squeezes it past backward point. The fielder puts in a dive to his left but the ball evades him and goes away for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Ryan Burl, Hard length and on off, Ryan Burl swats it to long on for a run.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Back of a length and on middle, Brian Bennett pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Flatter, full and on middle, Brian Bennett drills it to long on for one more.

Dushan Hemantha to Ryan Burl, Short and on leg, Ryan Burl nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Ryan Burl walks in next to bat.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, OUT! TAKEN! Maiden T20I wicket for Dushan Hemantha! He gets a big one as well and breaks the budding partnership. Flighted, full and around off, and turns away again. Sikandar Raza goes down on one knee to slog sweep it, but has to drag it a bit. He fails to get the desired power on the shot and hits it to the longer side as well. It flies in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Pathum Nissanka moves a few steps backwards and takes a fine catch with a reverse cup inches ahead of the ropes. Raza is disappointed but has to walk back for 28 off 22 balls, and Zimbabwe are 109/3!

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, full and around off, turns a long way away too, Sikandar Raza strides but leaves it alone. He thinks it is a wide but the umpire gives nothing.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Short again and around off, Brian Bennett stabs it through point for a run. That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Shorter in length and outside off, Sikandar Raza punches it through extra covers for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Short of a length and around off, Brian Bennett slaps it away towards sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off again, Brian Bennett looks to ramp it away but misses.

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, Off-pace delivery, on a length and on off, Sikandar Raza guides it to point for one.

Dasun Shanaka to Sikandar Raza, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza drives it wide of long off for a brace.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, FIFTY FOR BENNETT! A brilliant knock from him and this is his 5th fifty in T20Is. Back of a length and on off, Brian Bennett punches it through covers for a single. Raises his bat to soak in the applause.

Dasun Shanaka to Brian Bennett, Good change of pace! Slower, good length and around off, Brian Bennett swings decades early and fails to connect.

Change. Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Another full delivery, outside off, Brian Bennett squeezes it out to deep point for one.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Full again and outside off, Brian Bennett scythes it out towards deep point. Raza calls for two, and Bennett has to circle around the bowler but makes his ground easily. 100 up for Zimbabwe!

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Nuwan Thushara takes pace off, fuller and around off. Brian Bennett throws his bat hard at it. Gets an outside edge that goes between the keeper and the widish first slip for another boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Much fuller and around off, Brian Bennett bunts it out towards short covers.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Powered away! Pitched up and on middle, Brian Bennett skips down the track to get closer to the pitch of the ball and thumps it over the bowler's head towards the long on fence for a boundary. He moves into the 40s now.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, WIDE! A slower one, full but way outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it alone. Wided.

Nuwan Thushara to Sikandar Raza, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to long off for a single.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Slower and fuller, around middle, Brian Bennett changes his stance and reverse-sweeps it to the left of deep covers for a couple of runs. Zimbabwe are 88/1 at the halfway through the inning.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, Very full and outside off, Raza uses his feet and drills it through extra cover for one.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! A GIFT AND GETS PUNISHED! A full toss, down the leg side, Sikandar Raza gets down on his knees and sweeps it to the left of short fine for a boundary.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Nagging length and outside off, Brian punches it towards cover for one.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Slower, and fuller, around middle, Brian Bennett gets across on his knees and looks to sweep it but wears it on his arms. There is an appeal for LBW from the keeper but is turned down.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Follows the batter, short and down leg, Brian backs away and only manages to punch it to cover.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Dragged back length and outside off, Raza punches it straight to cover. He screams out in frustration at not finding the gap.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Touch short and slower, outside off, Raza waits and cuts it in the gap to the left of deep covers for a couple of runs.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Nagging length and around off, Raza pushes it off the outer half of the bat to cover.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Floated up, full and around middle, Brian strides forward and drives it to long off for one.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Short and outside off, Raza presses back and chops it down towards extra cover for a quick single.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, SIX! THUMPED! A loopy ball, full and around middle, in the slot, Sikandar Raza sits down on one knee, clears his front leg away and pumps it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. First of the innings.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Massive appeal for LBW but is turned down by the umpire! Full and down leg, Brian Bennett comes forward to flick it but misses and gets rapped on the front pad. Could be sliding down leg.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, full and around middle, Raza knocks it down to long on for one more.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, Nagging length and outside off, punched down to cover off the back foot.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Slower and fuller, a bit outside off, Sikandar Raza backs away, gives himself room and muscles it through extra covers for a cracking boundary.

Kamindu Mendis to Brian Bennett, Tossed it up and around off, Brian drives it to long off for a single off the front foot.

Kamindu Mendis to Sikandar Raza, Begins with a yorker, around middle, Raza digs out to the right of the bowler and takes a single.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Very full and around middle, Raza clears out his front leg and drills it to long off for one more.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Dragged back length and outside off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and cuts it to the left of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Slight halt! While making the stop on the previous ball, the ball deflected off his hands to hit Charith Asalanka on the face. The physio is in to check on him. He looks good to continue.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Loopy, full and outside off, Raza comes forward and drives it but finds the extra cover fielder who dives to his right and cuts it off. The ball ricochets off his hands and hits Charith Asalanka on the face. The umpire tells him to have it checked out.

Dushan Hemantha to Sikandar Raza, Slower and fuller, around off, Sikandar Raza strides forward and defends it.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Nagging length and around middle, Brian backs away a touch and looks to punch it but gets an outside edge that goes past the keeper towards short third. They cross.

Dushan Hemantha to Brian Bennett, Much shorter and outside off, Brian Bennett gets inside the line and looks to cut it but misses.

Debutant Dushan Hemantha comes into the attack now to bowl some leggies.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sikandar Raza, Short and outside off, Raza shuffles across and dabs it down to short third. Zimbabwe end their Powerplay with a score of 59/2.

Sikandar Raza comes out to the middle now.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sean Williams, OUT! TRAPPED IN FRONT! LBW! GONE! Maheesh Theekshana strikes, and this is a big wicket. He goes much fuller and bowls it around middle, and gets it to drift in. Sean Williams gets down across on his knees and looks to sweep it again. But he misses his shot this time and the ball sneaks past the underedge of the bat and gets pinged on the front pad. Maheesh appeals for LBW and the umpire raises his finger. Williams departs for 14(11) and Zimbabwe are 59/2.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Dragged back length and around middle, turned away in the gap towards deep mid-wicket for a single more.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sean Williams, Leg bye! Full and around leg, Sean misses his flick shot. The ball clips his front pad and rolls away towards short fine. A leg bye taken.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sean Williams, FOUR! NICELY PLAYED! Maheesh darts it full but on the pads, Sean Williams gets down on his knees and sweeps it fine to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Short and around middle, Brian Bennett presses back and nudges it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, Full again and on off, Brian Bennett looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the leg side. They cross.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, Touch fuller and on off, slower too, Sean Williams taps it in front of point for one.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, On a length and on off, Brian Bennett guides it to point for a single. 50 up for Zimbabwe in no time.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, and gets some extra bounce. Brian Bennett looks to pull it away but gets a bit hurried. He mistimes it but still gets enough power to send it well over the leaping mid on fielder for four more runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Nice shot! Back of a length and just around off, Brian Bennett once again plays it late. He opens the bat face and steers it with superb timing through point for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, Much better fielding! Fuller and on off, Sean Williams drives it wide of the mid off, Charith Asalanka dives full-length to his left to stop a certain boundary. A single taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, MISFIELD AND FOUR! That's what pressure can do to you. Overpitched and on middle, Brian Bennett drills it to the left of mid on and sets off the run. Dasun Shanaka moves to his left and tries to pick it up quickly to save a single, but takes his eyes off it. He lets it through his legs to the long on fence for a boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Just over! Nuwan Thushara lands this back of a length and on middle and off. Brian Bennett lets it come to him, sways away a bit and uses the pace to ramp it away. Gets enough to clear the leaping short third fielder to his right for a boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Sean Williams, Full again and on off, Sean Williams knocks it towards mid off and scampers across for a quick one. Good running!

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Slower one, full and on off, Brian Bennett drives it wide of mid off for another run.

Nuwan Thushara to Sean Williams, On a length and on off, Sean Williams pats it towards the vacant slip cordon for a run.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Short of a length and outside off, Brian Bennett cuts it hard to deep point for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, Full again and on leg, Sean Williams tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, Pitched up and on middle, Sean Williams blocks it down the pitch.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, Goes fuller and angling into the pads, Sean Williams clips it away through backward square leg and comes back for the second run. Brian had to hurry at the other end, but got there in the end comfortably.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sean Williams, FOUR! Gets off the mark in style! Short of a length and well outside off, Sean Williams gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Sean Williams is in at 3.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tadiwanashe Marumani, OUT! TAKEN! Dushmantha Chameera draws first blood! He bangs this into the pitch and around leg, and attacks the body of the batter. Tadiwanashe Marumani picks it up and pulls it well. He connects well, but as he gets a bit cramped up, he fails to get the elevation. It goes flat and straight towards deep backward square leg, the only fielder there in the deep. Nuwanidu Fernando runs forward and dives to take a fantastic catch. Marumani falls for 7 off 7, and Zimbabwe are 22/1!

Dushmantha Chameera to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Back of a length and on leg, Tadiwanashe Marumani heaves it on the bounce to square leg.

Change. Dushmantha Chameera is introduced into the attack.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Short and on middle, Tadiwanashe Marumani punches it down the pitch where the bounce takes it over Maheesh Theekshana and the batters get a single with mid off mopping it up.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Pushed through quicker, full and on middle and leg, Tadiwanashe Marumani strides out to block but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW, but turned down. Probably pitched outside leg.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Flighted, full and on middle, Tadiwanashe Marumani clips it away towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, EDGED AND FOUR! Floated, full and on middle and leg, Tadiwanashe Marumani changes his stance early for the reverse hit. However, the ball is too full and takes the bottom edge and rolls to the left of the keeper and to the third man fence for four runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dragged back and around off, skids through with extra bounce, Tadiwanashe Marumani has a wild heave across the line but misses. Mendis fails to grab it cleanly.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FIVE WIDES! Free runs for Zimbabwe! Quicker one, short and down the leg side. Tadiwanashe Marumani goes down across to swipe it away but misses. Kusal Mendis, the keeper, also fails to stop it as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Brian Bennett, Maheesh Theekshana begins with a flatter delivery, full and on middle, Brian Bennett comes forward and drills it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana will bowl from the other end.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Pitched up and outside off, Brian Bennett slashes at it and gets an outside edge along the ground towards third man. A single taken. 9 runs off the first over!

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Back of a length and on off, Brian Bennett punches it towards extra covers.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, BEATEN! Pulls his length back slightly, in the channel outside off, shaping away too. Brian Bennett looks to push at it with hard hands but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, Goes fuller and on off, Brian Bennett drills it towards mid off.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Much more in control this time! Hits the length hard and outside off, Brian Bennett once again plays it with an open bat face. Steers it away to the right of wide first slip for another boundary.

Nuwan Thushara to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Zimbabwe get underway in a streaky fashion! Nuwan Thushara starts with a good-length delivery just around off. Brian Bennett stays back and opens the face of his bat to guide it to third man. Gets a bit of an outside edge that flies just past the keeper and to the third man fence for the first boundary of the game.

Done with the pre-match preparations, and now all is in readiness for the action to kick off in Harare for the first T20I. Both umpires make their way out to the middle, followed by the players of Sri Lanka, who form a huddle before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Zimbabwe where Brian Bennett will open the innings alongside Tadiwanashe Marumani. Nuwan Thushara has the new ball in his hands, and he will start the proceedings. Here we go...

Before the match begins, both teams' players and match officials line up for the national anthems. First, Sri Lanka's anthem will be played, followed by Zimbabwe's.

Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka is up for a quick chat before the start of the match. He says that they are approaching the T20Is in a normal way, not doing anything too different from ODIs, and the focus is always on playing better cricket. Notes that the first six overs remain very important in Zimbabwe, and the team wants to see that phase through smartly. Feels that they have done well on this tour so far, and the approach is to take one game at a time. Tells that the practice sessions have been good, strategies are in place, and he hopes to execute them well in this game. Personally, he mentions having played in different conditions over the last few matches, and with the coach’s plans, he tries to apply them early in the innings. Says that he enjoys batting with Pathum Nissanka, calling him a quality player who makes things easier at the other end. Praises the youngsters in the squad, who have performed well in domestic cricket, saying this is a great opportunity for them to gain experience alongside the senior players.

PITCH REPORT - Sikandar Bakht is pitchside along with Russel Arnold for their insights. Bakht points out that this is the same pitch where the second ODI game was played, but the surface has flattened out nicely. Russel joins him and says that it shouldn’t play too differently over the course of 40 overs. However, he adds that the other end of the pitch is noticeably drier with a few cracks, which could bring some variable bounce and make it slightly two-paced. Mentions that timing the innings will be key, and teams will need to make full use of the quick outfield while also being mindful of the big boundaries.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha (On T20I Debut), Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.

Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe, says that they would have batted first as this wicket was used for the 2nd ODI and had help for the batters. Adds that it is not about being a good thing or a bad thing, it is about finding the right combinations and personnel before the T20I qualifiers. Tells that they also played Namibia before that, and will look to prepare well and hopefully reach the big event. Says that they put themselves in winning positions in both the ODIs, and now it is time for them to show a bit more maturity and get over the line. Informs that Brendan Taylor and Wellington Masakadza are still carrying a niggle, so they are out, and they are going with four pacers.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that they will bowl first as this venue suits chasing better. Adds that this is the best way to prepare for the Asia Cup and to get their combinations right. Mentions that with plenty of quality T20 specialists in the country, they haven't made too many changes, but he confirms two debutants, Nuwanidu Fernando and Dushan Hemantha.

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

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, come into this series with confidence and winning momentum, despite their last outing in this format ending in defeat against Bangladesh. Pathum Nissanka has been in sublime touch and will look to carry his form forward, while skipper Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis add firepower to a strong middle order. Spin will once again be their biggest weapon, with plenty of quality options even in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, but they’ll also bank on Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara to strike early and deliver at the death. The visitors will be eager to start strong and stamp their authority with an early lead in the series. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Zimbabwe, in all honesty, should have at least drawn the ODI series but nerves in crunch moments once again proved their undoing, a recurring theme in their struggles. They continue to rely heavily on Sikandar Raza, who has been exceptional with both bat and ball, particularly in this format. Sean Williams’s recent form with the bat has been encouraging, and Richard Ngarava remains key with the ball, but these three cannot do it alone - the rest of the squad must step up if they are to truly challenge Sri Lanka. Their inability to score consistently in the middle overs and struggles at the death with the ball have hurt them, but if they can tighten up in those areas, a breakthrough win might just be around the corner.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! After edging out Zimbabwe in a hard-fought ODI series with two close wins, Sri Lanka now turn their attention to a three-match T20I contest. We’re back at the Harare Sports Club, where the home side will be eager to turn their spirited performances into results. The fans will be hoping the Chevrons can take that extra step, while the Lankans look to carry their winning momentum into the shortest format.

... MATCH DAY ...

Harare, the home of Zimbabwean cricket, is set to host the opening match of a highly anticipated T20I series as the hosts take on Sri Lanka. After a one-sided ODI series that saw Sri Lanka dominate with a 2-0 whitewash, the T20I format offers a chance for redemption for the Chevrons and a chance for the Lions to assert their dominance across all white-ball formats. The visitors won the last T20I series between the two sides 2-1 in early 2024 at their home, and both teams will be looking to carry their recent momentum into this high-stakes contest. Sri Lanka enter this series after completing a clean sweep in the ODI series, winning both matches in different styles - a tight seven-run win in the opener and then a controlled five-wicket chase in the second. Their batting lineup has been in stellar form, with opener Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. Nissanka, who was also the Player of the Series, was particularly impressive, scoring a match-winning century in the second ODI and a solid 76 in the first, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis also made valuable contributions in the first ODI, demonstrating the depth of their batting unit. In the T20I squad, they've made some notable changes, including the maiden call-up for young batter Vishen Halambage and the return of Kamil Mishara and Nuwanidu Fernando, all of whom have been in good form in domestic T20 cricket. Their challenge in this series will be how the new batters adapt and whether the middle order can provide support beyond Nissanka and Mendis, who carried the load in ODIs. The pace attack will be bolstered by the return of Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, who were absent from the ODI squad. The main concern for Sri Lanka remains the absence of their key all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to injury, which leaves a void in both the spin department and the lower middle order. While Sri Lanka is riding high on their ODI success, they must be wary of complacency. Their top order has been strong, but the middle order, including captain Charith Asalanka, has been a bit inconsistent in recent T20Is. He will be keen to get back among the runs. The visitors will need to ensure their new and returning players seamlessly integrate into the playing XI and that the bowling attack, particularly the spin unit, can compensate for the loss of Hasaranga's firepower and wicket-taking ability. The onus will be on Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to step up and deliver crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. The selectors have given chances to youngsters, and this T20I series is an opportunity to test their readiness at the international stage. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe come into this match needing to lift themselves. They competed in the ODIs but were unable to close out key moments, like in the first match, where they fell just seven runs short despite Sikandar Raza’s 92. In the second, Raza again anchored with an unbeaten 59, but Zimbabwe could not set a target beyond 280 that tested Sri Lanka. Their batting has seen contributions from Sean Williams, Ben Curran, and Tony Munyonga in patches, yet collapses around the middle overs continue to hurt. Their T20 squad is likely to mirror the one used in the Tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand in July, led by Raza, with youngsters like Brian Bennett and Clive Madande expected to play key roles. Zimbabwe’s bowling showed spirit but lacked cutting edge when it mattered. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava provided breakthroughs in the ODIs, and Brad Evans bowled with control, but the finishing overs were costly. In T20Is, those same overs will be even more decisive. Raza and Williams’ spin option adds variety, but Zimbabwe need better support from their fifth and sixth bowling choices, which were heavily targeted in ODIs. Their margin for error is small, and against a confident Sri Lanka batting order, they cannot afford the soft overs that turned both ODIs away from them. The home side's bowlers will be banking on the home conditions to make an impact, with the pacers hoping to exploit any early movement and the spinners looking to capitalise on a potentially turning surface later in the game. All five matches of the series are scheduled to be held at the Harare Sports Club, known for offering a balanced pitch that initially favours batsmen but becomes more conducive to spin as the game progresses. With a hot and clear day expected, fans can anticipate an uninterrupted and high-scoring affair. Given their recent form and squad strength, Sri Lanka hold the upper hand, but the question is whether Zimbabwe can seize their moments and avoid the lapses that cost them in ODIs. This opening T20I will reveal if the series becomes another one-sided affair or if Zimbabwe can force a contest. So, who will come out on top? Let’s find out soon!