SL vs ZIM: Sri Lanka registered an incredible comeback in a thrilling SL vs ZIM match in Harare, securing a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe as Kamindu Mendis played the hero with his late strikes and Pathum Nissanka set up the platform for his team. The tourists successfully chased down 176 within five balls remaining following a middle-order collapse that had threatened their chase.
Kamindu Mendis Finishes in Style
At number 6, Kamindu Mendis played a remarkable, chanceless 41* off 16 balls to make a stunning shift in the match and the potential outcome, in favour of Sri Lanka. The equation at this point was 46 runs off 24 balls. Kamindu launched and went hard at the Zimbabwe seamers, and specifically their leg side.
He struck four sixes and a four, while untimely given some ordinary lines from the bowlers at the end of the innings. This counter-attack was daring and it guaranteed Sri Lanka finished the match comfortably after losing what might have been a game of inertia.
Pathum Nissanka Lays the Platform
Earlier in the innings, Pathum Nissanka, in his third tour half-century, played a smooth 55 off 32 balls. He was particularly dominant square of the wicket, making Zimbabwe bowlers struggle during the powerplay.
Together with Kusal Mendis, Nissanka guided Sri Lanka to 96 for 0, setting up a strong platform for the pursuit. The early belligerence gave the buffer required to tide through the middle-order debacle.
Read More
Middle-Order Collapse Plunges Sri Lanka into Troubled Waters
Despite of the flying start, Sri Lanka were in trouble as they weakened from 96/0 to 125/5, losing six wickets for 46 runs off just seven overs. Zimbabwe bowlers struggled back well during this period, striking regularly to lay bare the middle order. The quick opening partnership, however, provided Sri Lanka some space, stopping the collapse from becoming fatal.
Maposa’s Costly Over Turns the Game
The 18th over of the innings was the turning point. Zimbabwe medium pacer Tinotenda Maposa, who had been bowling tight till then, cracked under pressure.
First ball: Kamindu reverse-scooped a wide yorker for four
Read More
Second ball: A no-ball full toss, swatted for six
Followed by: A leg-side wide
Final delivery: Another leg-side full toss, sent to six
In total, the over conceded 26 runs, shifting momentum completely in Sri Lanka’s favor and essentially sealing the SL vs ZIM match.
Brian Bennett Anchors Zimbabwe’s Innings
For Zimbabwe, Brian Bennett was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a composed 81 off 57 balls. His innings started with a few lucky boundaries through third man but quickly grew in confidence.
Bennett profited from Sri Lankan seamers’ pace and often played in back of square. He picked up important alliances with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, taking Zimbabwe to a decent total of 175/7.
Read More
Chameera’s Class with the Ball
Sri Lanka’s bowling spearhead Dushmantha Chameera was the best of the bowlers with a fine return of 3 for 30. He was successful both in the powerplay and death overs, delivering ideal yorkers and outsmarting the batters.
He swept away batters attempting to shift across the crease twice by delivering pinpoint yorkers towards the foot of the stumps. His important wickets included Bennett in the 19th over.
SL vs ZIM Match Summary
Zimbabwe: 175/7 (Bennett 81, Chameera 3/30)
Sri Lanka: 176/6 in 19.1 overs (Nissanka 55, Kamindu 41*)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Kamindu Mendis
Sri Lanka Clinch Victory in Style
In this SL vs ZIM thriller, Sri Lanka demonstrated both grit and firepower. While the top-order blazed away early, and the middle-order collapsed, it was Kamindu Mendis’ finishing class and Chameera’s accuracy that made the day. Zimbabwe had a few moments, led by Brian Bennett, but were left to regret their death bowling as Sri Lanka secured a memorable victory in Harare.
ALSO READ: 3 Big Bash Teams That Could Sign Ravichandran Ashwin In 2025-26
