Nissanka's blistering knock keeps Sri Lanka in tri-series final hunt

Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive in the T20 tri-series after they outclassed Zimbabwe by nine wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing 147, Sri Lanka cruised to victory in 16.1 overs courtesy of opener Pathum Nissanka’s sensational 98-run knock off 58 balls featuring 11 fours and four sixes.

In the points table, Zimbabwe has two points, having won one out of four matches, while Pakistan has six, having secured victories in all three games.

Interestingly, the November 27 contest between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be crucial in determining the second finalist team. A win for Sri Lanka will take them to the final; if Pakistan secure the victory, the second finalist spot will come down to the net run-rate between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

While defending the modest target, only Brad Evans managed to take a wicket for Zimbabwe, registering figures of 1-36 in four overs. Skipper Sikandar Raza remained economical, giving away 17 runs in his four-over spell.

First Innings

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe managed 146 in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of five wickets, despite brisk cameos from all-rounder Ryan Burl (37) and captain Sikandar Raza (37).

They got off to a dismal start as Maheesh Theekshana rocked their top order by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers in his first two overs, bringing the total down to 17-2.

Following the early debacle, experienced Brendan Taylor (14) joined Bennett for a brief anchoring 36-run partnership for the third wicket until falling victim to Dasun Shanaka in the eighth over.

Bennett remained the other notable run-getter, scoring 34 off 26 deliveries with four fours and a six.

Raza followed suit two overs later, getting out to Wanindu Hasaranga for 37 off 29 deliveries to help Zimbabwe post 146.

For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga and Theekshana picked up two wickets each, while skipper Shanaka took one.