Zimbabwe Vs Sri Lanka Highlights, 5th T20 Tri-Nation Series: Pathum Nissanka Steers SL To Thumping Win Over ZIM

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the fifth match of the Tri-Nation T20I Series 2025, featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Stay tuned for latest updates from the 5th match of the series.

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwan Thushara, Pavan Rathnayake

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer, Dion Myers, Clive Madande, Newman Nyamhuri

The news is out! Zimbabwe's skipper Sikandar Raza has won the toss and elected to bat first. He believes that the wicket is going to get tackier as the match progress, so he wants to make full use of the best conditions early on.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka(c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava

Bowled! Maheesh Theekshana castles Zimbabwe opener Tadiwanashe Marumani on the 5th ball of the match and ZIM lose their 1st wicket. Marumani plays down the wrong line of the ball and loses his wicket doing so.

The powerplay went to Sri Lanka courtesy Maheesh Theekshana who picked up both the wickets. Braian Bennet (23*) looked comfortable on crease and would be aiming for a big score and take his team to a good score in this crucial match.

Half of the Zimbabwe innings is over and till now Sri Lankan bowlers have kept things in control by not letting the run rate climb. ZIM captain Sikandar Raza (12*) and Brian Bennet (28*) are on crease.

ZIM are losing wickets at crucial moments, both the set batters- Sikandar Raza (37) and Brian Bennet (34) have gone back to the pavilion and now they have two new batters towards the slog overs.

Despite losing 5 wickets, Zimbabwe could only manage 146 runs in their quota of 20 overs. No half-centuries were scored by any ZIM batter as SL spinners Hasaranga and Theekshana bowled tight lines and picked two wickets each.

Both the Sri Lankan openers have got off to a solid start, playing with a run-rate of almost 10. Worrying times for Zimbabwe as Nissanka can take the match away from them in no time.

The opening pair is finally broken as Kamil Mishara falls to Brad Evans for 12 runs. But ZIM's biggest threat Pathum Nissanka is still at the crease and is playing beautifully. SL now need just 83 runs off the same number of balls.

Sri Lanka continue to move smoothly as Pathum Nissanka edges closer to a well-made half-century. He’s been timing the ball beautifully, rotating strike with ease and putting away anything loose. With 44 off 30, he looks fully in control, while Kusal Mendis’ 19 off 15 has kept the momentum steady at the other end.

Sri Lanka reach 115/1, with Nissanka on a fluent 70 and Mendis on 23. They’re cruising, but commentators confirm NRR won’t improve enough tonight. To reach the final, Sri Lanka must beat Pakistan next; otherwise it’s Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in the title clash.

Sri Lanka remain in complete control as the 16th over ends, with Pathum Nissanka cruising on a brilliant 88 off 56 and timing the ball effortlessly, while Kusal Mendis’ steady 25 keeps the partnership flowing smoothly; with wickets in hand and the chase firmly on track, the batting pair look set to wrap things up without any pressure.

Pathum Nissanka finished off in style with a boundary and a six but unfortunately missed his century by just 2 runs. SL thump ZIM by 9 wickets and 22 balls to spare. It always looked a sub par total but Nissanka made it a cake walk with his blistering knock of 98* runs. Kusal Mendis also played a good supporting role with 25 not out.

That's a wrap from our end. We'll be back with another live coverage shortly, until then, bye bye.