Kamindu Mendis demonstrated his power game on Wednesday, September 3, helping Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club.
Charith Asalanka won the toss in the opening T20I and decided to bowl first. While Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sean Williams were unable to make an impact, Brian Bennett bowled an outstanding innings to enable Zimbabwe score 59 runs in the powerplay.
The right-handed batter formed half-century partnerships with captain Sikandar Raza and veteran all-rounder Ryan Burl to help his team build a strong foundation. However, two wickets fell in the final two overs, limiting the hosts to 175/7. Bennett led the Chevrons’ scoring with 81 off 57 balls, including 12 boundaries.
Dushmantha Chameera was the most effective of the bowlers, finishing with 3/30 in four overs. Dushan Hemantha also bowled brilliantly, surrendering only 28 runs and taking one wicket.
Sri Lanka responded quickly, scoring 96 runs in the first 11 overs thanks to an opening partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, fought back with a flurry of wickets in the middle overs. Sri Lanka went from 96/0 at the conclusion of 10 overs to 142/6 after over 17.
34 runs were required from the final three overs. Kamindu Mendis struck four sixes and one four in his unbeaten innings of 41 runs off 16 balls.
Hemantha contributed an unbeaten 14 from nine balls as Sri Lanka cruised home in 19.1 overs with four wickets to spare.
Richard Ngarava bowled a fine spell, picking up two wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Raza also bowled well to finish with 1/26 in four overs. However, it wasn’t enough to take Zimbabwe to victory.
The two teams will compete in the second T20I at the same venue on Saturday, September 6. Sri Lanka will want to wrap up the series, while Zimbabwe have no other option but to go for a victory.
India
