HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe 3 T20I Series 2025, 2nd T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the second chapter to unfold! The umpires have stepped on the field and so are the players of Sri Lanka. Brian Bennett will be opening with Tadiwanashe Marumani for Zimbabwe. Binura Fernando will have that new ball. Away we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, 81 is what Zimbabwe need to win and level this three-match T20I series. They won't get an opportunity like this every day and Sikandar Raza will be hoping his batters finish the job. Sri Lanka have the bowling arsenal to defend a low total but this will be very tough to defend. Stay tuned to find out how the chase pans out.

Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe is up for a chat. He says that the team has performed exceptionally. Reckons that the track helped them a lot to find wickets. Also says that they executed the plan to bowl tight. Ends up saying that he hopes that the batters get their team to the target.

Zimbabwe have played some good cricket throughout this series, but they haven't put together one big performance in all aspects of the game and this first innings has set them up beautifully to go on and get a huge win. The bowling and the fielding, coupled with the captaincy of Sikandar Raza, just fell into place today. Blessing Muzarabani set things up early on with a couple of wickets and then Brad Evans followed up brilliantly. Raza was the wrecker-in-chief in that middle phase and picked up 3 wickets, as Evans too ended up with 3 wickets to his name. Also, Tinotenda Maposa had an immaculate outing in the field, taking stellar catches, saving boundaries and even inflicting a run out at the death.

After being asked to bat first on a used pitch, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis right after the first over and when their in-form batter, Pathum Nissanka fell, they found it difficult to get back into the contest. They were 38/5 after 41 legal deliveries but then came the stand between the current skipper and the former skipper. Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka put on 26 runs but then a fine catch by Tinotenda Maposa gave Zimbabwe the crucial breakthrough as 64/5 became 66/8 in a jiffy. With only 3 batters getting into double-figures, the Lankans were bowled outside inside 18 overs and will have a tough task on their hands in the field.

Wow, that was unexpected to say the least but Zimbabwe have done a stellar job of restricting Sri Lanka to a miserly score of 80 runs, their second-lowest T20I total batting first in a full 20-over game. It was all set up inside the Powerplay, where the hosts managed to pick up 4 wickets, exposing the Lankan middle order, which couldn't stage much of a fightback for the visitors.

Brad Evans to Maheesh Theekshana, OUT! TAKEN! That's it! If you are a Lankan fan, you must be worried! Back of a length, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs in the air towards extra covers. Sikandar Raza settles under it and completes the catch. Sri Lanka are bowled out for a mere 80 runs!

Brad Evans to Maheesh Theekshana, Bangs it short, on off, Maheesh Theekshana ducks underneath it.

Brad Evans to Binura Fernando, On a length, down leg, Binura Fernando looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They cross.

Binura Fernando is the last man in for Sri Lanka.

Brad Evans to Maheesh Theekshana, OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, no no no! Back of a length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Dushan Hemantha though, calls for a second but Maheesh Theekshana sends him back from halfway. Tinotenda Maposa picks it and throws it towards Tadiwanashe Marumani who whips the bails in a flash. There was never a second run.

Brad Evans is back on, replacing Sikandar Raza.

Blessing Muzarabani to Maheesh Theekshana, On a length, just outside off, Maheesh Theekshana punches it to cover for one.

Blessing Muzarabani to Maheesh Theekshana, Short and wide, Maheesh Theekshana swings hard but misses again.

Blessing Muzarabani to Maheesh Theekshana, Back of a length, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana has a fiddle but cannot adjust with the bounce.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dushan Hemantha, Back of a length, outside off, Dushan Hemantha punches it through backward point for a single. He wanted a second run but was sent back just in time.

Blessing Muzarabani to Maheesh Theekshana, Good length, just outside off, Maheesh Theekshana steers it to third man for one more.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dushan Hemantha, Hard length, on middle and leg, Dushan Hemantha stays back and tucks it to mid on for one.

Blessing Muzarabani (2-0-10-2) is back on to try and get rid of the tail at the earliest.

Sikandar Raza to Dushan Hemantha, Full, outside off, Dushan Hemantha drives it to cover for one.

Sikandar Raza to Maheesh Theekshana, Nice and full, on leg, Maheesh Theekshana knocks it down the ground for one.

Sikandar Raza to Dushan Hemantha, Quicker, on off, Dushan Hemantha pushes it to cover for one.

Sikandar Raza to Maheesh Theekshana, Fuller, with some turn, Maheesh Theekshana guides it to short third for one.

Sikandar Raza to Dushan Hemantha, Keeps it full, outside off, Dushan Hemantha drives it to cover for one.

Sikandar Raza to Dushan Hemantha, Too full, on middle and leg, Dushan Hemantha blocks it back.

Sean Williams to Maheesh Theekshana, Too full, on off, Maheesh Theekshana looks to block it but miscues it to cover.

Sean Williams to Dushan Hemantha, Too full, outside off, Dushan Hemantha drives it to cover for one.

Sean Williams to Maheesh Theekshana, Short, on leg, Maheesh Theekshana tucks it to mid-wicket for one more.

Sean Williams to Dushan Hemantha, Much fuller, on leg again, Dushan Hemantha flicks it to wide mid on for one.

Sean Williams to Dushan Hemantha, Flatter, on middle and leg, Dushan Hemantha flicks it to mid on.

Sean Williams to Dushan Hemantha, Quicker one, on leg, Dushan Hemantha blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Sikandar Raza to Maheesh Theekshana, Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, Maheesh Theekshana eases it to covers.

Maheesh Theekshana is in next.

Sikandar Raza to Dushmantha Chameera, OUT! LBW! That's plumb! Sikandar Raza again flattens it up and darts the ball towards middle and leg. This is very full and Dushmantha Chameera looks to sweep it away but misses and gets it full on the pads, right in front of the stumps. A loud appeal for LBW and the umpire has no hesitation in raising the finger. Raza gets his third wicket of the game.

Sikandar Raza to Dushmantha Chameera, Quicker delivery, on a length and on off, Chameera blocks it off.

Dushmantha Chameera is the next batter in.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Oh, that's sneaked through and Sikandar Raza gets rid of his opposite number before running away in celebration. Raza flattens the trajectory and holds it back, pushing it through on off. Charith Asalanka doesn't quite pick up the length and ends up hopping onto the back foot and tries to cut it late. However, the ball just slides past the inside edge and hits the top of off stump.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Lobbed up, full and on the pads, Asalanka looks to flick it away but fails to do so.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Excellent work in the deep again from Tinotenda Maposa. Full and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka drives it firmly through covers as Maposa runs to his right from long off and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

Dushan Hemantha is in next for Sri Lanka.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! CAUGHT! Sean Williams changes things up and fires in a full and wide delivery outside off. Dasun Shanaka hangs back and just reaches out, looking to angle it fine of short third but ends up hitting it a bit uppishly. Tinotenda Maposa puts in a full-stretched dive to his left and pouches a wonderful catch with both hands. A brewing partnership for Sri Lanka ends and Zimbabwe have their 6th wicket.

Is that a No Ball? Tinotenda Maposa has taken a brilliant catch at short third but replays show that Sean Williams might have overstepped. The third umpire checks the replays and confirms that Williams did have something behind the line. OUT!

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Dragged length around middle, tapped across to mid-wicket.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Looking for two but won't get it! Full and around leg, jammed away towards the vacant mid on region for a single by Asalanka. The bowler runs after it and Asalanka looks to sneak in a second run by is rightly sent back by his partner.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Slides this one in towards the pads as Dasun flicks it through mid-wicket and picks up another single.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Fuller delivery on middle and off, Asalanka sits down and dabs it through mid-wicket for one more.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Fractionally short and outside off, tapped away square through the off side for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Bowled towards the stumps, Shanaka shows the full face of the blade and drives it down to long on for one more.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Nice and full, pushed away through mid off for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Half an appeal for a stumping but it is turned down. Tossed up, full and on off, turning away as well. Charith Asalanka attempts the sweep again and gets beaten by the turn as the keeper whips off the bails pretty quickly. However, Asalanka had his back foot rooted inside the crease.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Fired in, full and straight, watchfully kept out by Asalanka.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Lovely bowling! Around the wicket to the left-hander, tossing it up on off and getting it to turn and bounce away from Asalanka, who sits down to sweep and gets comprehensively beaten.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Flights the ball up at the stumps and Shanaka taps it across through wide mid on for a single.

Sikandar Raza (1-0-1-1) is back on.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Dragged length at the stumps, played off the back foot and in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Quicker one around off, slides on with the arm. Shanaka rocks back to cut but gets an under-edge past the keeper. The short third fielder chases it down and keeps it to a couple.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Floated up outside off, angling it in, Shanaka lunges across to sweep but misses and gets struck on the pads.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Quick and flat on off, Dasun Shanaka backs away and punches it wide of long off for a couple of more runs.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Flatter one, tight line around off, Asalanka plays it very late and dabs it down to short third for a quick single.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Pushed through, full and around off, driven along the turf and down to long off for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, Hard length, in and around off, Asalanka looks to cut close to the body but fails to get it away. At the halfway stage of the innings, Sri Lanka are 50/5!

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Just one more! A slower delivery, turns out to be a dipping full toss wide outside off. Shanaka simply angles it through backward point for a run and up comes the 50 for Sri Lanka.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, Pitched up on middle, Asalanka chips it back over the bowler's head and down to long on for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, That's quick from Maposa! A well-directed short ball, lands it on off and gets it to angle across the lefthander at helmet height. Asalanka looks to take on the pull but is well beaten.

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Back of a length and outside off, Shanaka stands tall and angles it down to the left of backward point for one more.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, Hits the hard length, on middle and leg and angling back in. Asalanka gets pegged back and gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball rolls towards short third. The batters pick up a single.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Floated up on leg stump, nudged away just in front of square on the leg side for a fifth single of the over.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, At the stumps, tucked away through wide mid on for another single.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, Full and around off, Dasun sits down and gets inside the line, sweeping it straight to short fine leg.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Good length, on middle and leg, turned in front of mid-wicket for an easy single.

Sean Williams to Dasun Shanaka, A direct hit and Asalanka would have been gone! Flighted up around off, Dasun Shanaka pushes at it and gets an outside edge down to short third. Asalanka calls him for a quick single and the throw at the keeper's end is just wide, allowing Asalanka to dive in and make his ground. Very risky from the Lankan captain, especially when his team is already 5 down.

Sean Williams to Charith Asalanka, Starts off from around the wicket and bowls it on the pads, Asalanka tucks it towards the vacant mid-wicket region and rotates the strike.

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Sharp fielding! A bit fuller and on the pads, clipped away firmly to the right of the mid-wicket fielder, who makes a good stop and keeps it down to a dot.

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Serves it full and on the fifth stump line, Shanaka jams it towards covers.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, Hard length angled across off, punched away towards sweeper cover for one more by Asalanka.

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Good length around off, Dasun Shanaka prods halfway and plays it on the up, through cover-point and collects a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Dasun Shanaka, Beaten! Slightly pitched up outside off, cutting back in. Shanaka leans across to drive but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Tinotenda Maposa to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length, over off and middle, Asalanka stays compact and dabs it into the off side for a quick single.

Tinotenda Maposa to have a bowl now.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Nice and full, around off, blocked off by Shanaka.

Dasun Shanaka is in at number 7.

Sikandar Raza to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! LBW! Another one bites the dust and Sri Lanka have lost half their side inside the first 7 overs. Sikandar Raza floats the ball up around middle and leg stump, not all that full. Kamindu Mendis lunges forward to block down the line but the ball turns away towards middle and off and pings him on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW and eventually, the umpire raises the finger. Mnedis walks back for a four-ball duck.

Sikandar Raza to Kamindu Mendis, Full and around off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it out towards point.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Flatter one at the stumps, nudged away in front of square leg for an easy single.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Uppish but will fall short! Holds it back a touch and bowls it shorter outside off, Asalanka reaches out to cut and slices it in front of point.

Sikandar Raza to Charith Asalanka, Starts around the wicket and bowls it full and quick around off. Asalanka eases it towards covers.

Sikandar Raza brings himself into the attack now.

Brad Evans to Kamindu Mendis, Full and outside off, driven along the ground to covers. Sri Lanka are reeling at 37/4 at the end of the Powerplay!

Brad Evans to Kamindu Mendis, Oh, that's missed everything! Nagging length in the channel, a bit full, Kamindu Mendis looks to drive but is beaten past the outside edge and the ball just goes past the off stump as well.

Kamindu Mendis walks in at number 6.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, OUT! TIMBER! Brad Evans has the last laugh and Sri Lanka are 4 down inside the Powerplay. Evans switches things up and goes for a quick yorker and nails it on off stump. Kamil Mishara hangs back and doesn't expect such a full ball and he is late on the drive. The ball crashes into the off stump and sends it flying as Mishara departs for a run-a-ball 20.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, Fuller in length and around off, driven towards covers. Mishara looks for a single but Charith Asalanka sends him back.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Easy pickings! A slower bumper around off, Mishara hops up and forces the pull over the mid-wicket region and into the vacant spaces for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, Good change-up from Evans! Comes around the wicket and bangs in a short ball around off, angling it in. Kamil Mishara gets rushed on the pull and a NO BALL is called, probably for overstepping. Free Hit loading...

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Up and over! Hard length around the top of off, Kamil Mishara stays leg side of the ball and hits it on the up, nailing it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! What a start from the skipper! Back of a length, just outside of. Charith Asalanka gets on his toes, rides the bounce and punches it hard to get the gap of the cover and the mid off fielders for a boundary.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, is the new man in

Blessing Muzarabani to Nuwanidu Fernando, OUT! TAKEN! Wickets are tumbling for Sri Lanka and the Chevrons are loving it! Blessing Muzarabani streams from over the wicket and bangs the delivery around back of a length, just outside off. Nuwanidu Fernando covers the stump and looks to heave it across the line, but fails the get the middle of the bat. The ball hits the upper part of the bat and the ball loops toward the front right of the wide mid on fielder.  It's the skipper, Sikandar Raza, in the region, sprinting toward the skier and slides down to catch it safely into his hands.

Blessing Muzarabani to Nuwanidu Fernando, On a length, just outside off. Nuwanidu Fernando blocks it away.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Change of pace, on middle. Kamil Mishara pushes it towards mid off for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, On a length on the stumps. Kamil Mishara swings across but gets a thick inside edge and the ball rolls away towards mid-wicket for no run.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Shot of authority! Full and wide outside off. Kamil Mishara prods and drives it toward the sweeper over fence for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, Leg bye! Short, around the thigh pad of the batter. Kamil Mishara dabs it away but the ball pings his thigh pad and the batters get a single.

Brad Evans to Kamil Mishara, Short, just outside off. Kamil Mishara pushes it from his back off toward cover.

Brad Evans to Nuwanidu Fernando, On a length, just outside off. Nuwanidu Fernando guides it toward third man for a single. Fernando is underway!

Nuwanidu Fernando walks up next

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Brad Evans strikes and gets the big fish! Back of a length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and pulls it but mistimes it completely. The ball carries towards deep square leg. Tony Munyonga dives and takes a magnificent catch just inches above the ground. Pathum Nissanka makes his way back to the pavilion.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Excellent shot! Full and just outside off. Pathum Nissanka uses his bottom hand and lofts it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka goes for a swipe and misses.

Richard Ngarava to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, angling across. Pathum Nissanka steers it toward wide point and gets a single.

Richard Ngarava to Kamil Mishara, BYE! Short, outside off. Kamil Mishara fails to push it away and the ball bounces away from the keeper due to some late swing. A single taken by the batter.

Richard Ngarava to Kamil Mishara, Short and wide outside off. Kamil Mishara hangs back and looks to cut but the ball gets some bounce from the track and Mishara bunts it toward the mid off fielder.

Richard Ngarava to Kamil Mishara, Slower from Richard Ngarava, fuller on off. Kamil Mishara miscues his slog toward deep mid-wicket and take a couple.

Richard Ngarava to Kamil Mishara, On a length, well wide outside off. Kamil Mishara looks to drive but misses.

Richard Ngarava to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! SHOT! Excellent from Kamil Mishara! Fuller, around off. Kamil Mishara launches it up, over the mid off fielder and gets four runs.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Back of a length, outside off. Kamil Mishara steers it toward deep backward point for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Short, wide outside off, swings it away, wide outside off. Kamil Mishara looks to pats it away and gets beaten.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Short of a length, on leg. Kamil Mishara looks to tuck it away but wears it on his thigh pad.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Back of a length, anling across. Kamil Mishara dabs it away.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kamil Mishara, Back of a length, outside off, shapes it away. Kamil Mishara looks to pat it toward of side but misses.

Kamil Mishara is the new man in

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Mendis, OUT! IN THE AIR... TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani draws the first blood! Not an ideal delivery from Muzarabani, though! Bangs a bouncer, wide outside off. Kusal Mendis hangs back and flows his arm to cut it uppishly to clear the deep backward point region but catches the upper part of his willow. The ball balloons toward deep third man and Richard Ngarava takes a calm and composed catch.

Who will bowl from the other end? Blessing Muzarabani it is.

Richard Ngarava to Pathum Nissanka, Appeal for LBW but no says the umpire! Pitching it on leg and shapes it in toward down the leg. Pathum Nissanka misses his flick and pings on his pad.

Richard Ngarava to Pathum Nissanka, On a length, around the pads of the batter. Pathum Nissanka tucks it toward right of the deep square leg fielder and gets a brace.

Richard Ngarava to Kusal Mendis, On a length, on middle. Kusal Mendis soft hands it toward the front of the cover fielder and gets hsi first single. Kusal Mendis opens his account as well.

Richard Ngarava to Kusal Mendis, BEATEN! Back of a length, pitching it on off and shapes it away from the right-handed batter. Kusal Mendis plays inside the line and gets beaten on the outer edge.

Richard Ngarava to Pathum Nissanka, Hard-length delivery, on middle, nipping it in, toward the leg stump. Pathum Nissanka gets squared and dabs it toward the front of the square leg fielder and gets the first single. Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka are underway!

Richard Ngarava to Pathum Nissanka, Richard Ngarava steams from over the wicket and bowls back of a length, on leg and middle. Pathum Nissanka hangs back and nudges it toward sqaure leg.

All set to start the match! The umpires are out on the field and so are the players of Zimbabwe. Pathum Nissanka will be pairing with Kusal Mendis to open for Sri Lanka. Richard Ngarava gets the job to start with the new ball. Here we go...

PITCH REPORT - Sikandar Bakht and Tino Mawoyo are near the deck. They shared their insights that runs were scored a week ago in the first ODI on this track. Also says that the surface looks dry and it's not great for the seamers.  Ends up saying that 170 could be the minimum target for the first team to bat.

Dushmantha Chameera is in for a chat. He says that he had been out for six months due to injuries before returning to international cricket. He adds that he played domestic games to prepare and initially felt nervous against Bangladesh, but is now fully fit.

Charith Asalanka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that the used pitch would favor slow bowlers and spinners as cracks emerge. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding regular wickets and minimizing extras. Ends by saying that they have made two changes, with Kamil Mishara and Binura Fernando replacing Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara.

Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says that they will bowl first. He adds that the wicket has a good carry and bounce. He emphasized the need to stick to the plan, put Sri Lanka under pressure, and be clinical in the field to get a win. Ends by saying that they are playing with the same side.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara (In place of Kusal Perera), Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando (In for Nuwan Thushara).

Zimbabwe (Unchanged 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.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the coin flip and they will BOWL first.

As the action unfolds, fans can expect breathtaking hitting, tactical bowling changes, and moment-to-moment drama. Both teams have the depth to turn the game on its head, so tune in for a pulsating contest that could tilt the series firmly in one direction or set up a thrilling decider. Toss and team news to follow shortly...

Sri Lanka rode on a thrilling partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis to get off to a strong start, but wickets in quick succession tested their resolve. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka steadied the ship, with Kamindu’s late-harvest blast sealing the win. The visitors will look to balance aggression with smart rotation to chase down 176 in a manner that leaves them in control.

Zimbabwe showcased their flair with a competitive 175, belting boundaries and building partnerships. Brian Bennett’s brilliant 81 lit up the scoreboard, while bowlers like Chameera, Thushara, Theekshana, and Hemantha kept Lanka on their toes. The hosts will be keen to repeat that pressure with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to curb the Sri Lankans.

Welcome to Harare Sports Club for a high-octane T20I as Sri Lanka tour Zimbabwe in the second match of the series. After an exhilarating opener, both sides arrive hungry for a win, with Sri Lanka looking to seal the series on the road and Zimbabwe aiming to rebound in front of their home fans.

... MATCH DAY ...

Harare gets ready for more action as the white-ball battle between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka moves to the second T20I of this three-match series. Sri Lanka swept the ODIs and are chasing the full set in the shortest format too, already leading 1-0 after edging past the Chevrons in a tight opener. Zimbabwe showed fight, but as seen throughout their home season, they have struggled to land the decisive blow when it matters. In the first T20I, Brian Bennett gave them a flying start, yet the middle order failed to finish the job with the bat. That unit now carries the responsibility to step up with skipper Sikandar Raza, spirited after claiming the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounders ranking. They control large portions of an innings but fail to turn those stretches into winning positions. A similar story unfolded with the ball. They had Sri Lanka’s middle order under pressure but let the momentum slip away. Death bowling remains a lingering worry, and with the likes of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava in the ranks, the hosts will hope for a sharper, more disciplined display this time around. Sri Lanka may have the lead, but every match so far, from the ODIs to the first T20I, has seen them pushed hard by the hosts. None of their wins have been truly comfortable. That is often the fine line between big teams and good teams. The big ones sense the moment and seize it, and Sri Lanka’s experienced group has done exactly that. Still, there is room for improvement. The top order of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka has carried out its role with calm and responsibility, but they will want to avoid any sudden collapses and see greater support from the middle order to make victories look assured rather than hard fought. Kamindu Mendis remains the anchor in that engine room, yet the others need to stay with him and steady the innings when it wobbles. With the ball, Sri Lanka will look to sharpen their Powerplay plans, aiming to put Zimbabwe under pressure early and take charge from the start. Dushmantha Chameera has been steady and true to his reputation, while Nuwan Thushara has leaked a few more runs than he would like. The spinners have kept things tight in the middle overs, and if the pacers can match that control up front, the visitors will be well on their way to stamping complete dominance on this contest. Zimbabwe know they are in a tight situation as this fixture is just like a do-or-die for them. Win to keep the series alive, lose, and fight for pride. Overall, some exciting cricket coming your way from Harare Sports Club.