Sri Lanka clinched the T20 series with a commanding 8-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the decider, thanks to a stunning batting display from Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera.
In the third and final T20 at Harare, Zimbabwe posted a strong total of 191/8, but Sri Lanka chased it down with ease, reaching 193/2 in just 17.4 overs, with 14 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe started well with the bat, powered by Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51 off 40 balls, while Ryan Burl added a quick 26 off 15 and Sikandar Raza chipped in with 28 off 18. Despite their collective effort, Sri Lanka’s batters stole the show.
In reply, Pathum Nissanka (33 off 20) and Kusal Mendis (30 off 17) gave the visitors a fiery start, adding 58 runs for the opening wicket. After their dismissal, Mishara and Perera took charge.
Kamil Mishara, returning to the team after three years, played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 73 off 43 balls with 3 sixes and 6 fours, earning him the Player of the Match award. Kusal Perera complemented him perfectly with a quickfire 46 off 26 balls, smashing 2 sixes and 4 boundaries.
Their unbroken 117-run partnership off 63 balls marked Sri Lanka’s first-ever century stand for the third wicket in T20Is.
With this victory, Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20 series 2-1, bouncing back strongly after being bowled out for just 80 runs in the previous game — their second-lowest T20I total ever.
Match Summary
- Zimbabwe: 191/8 (Marumani 51, Raza 28, Burl 26; Hematha 3/38, Chameera 2/33)
- Sri Lanka: 193/2 in 17.4 overs (Mishara 73*, Perera 46*, Nissanka 33; Evans 1/28, Raza 1/29)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
Series: Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-1
Player of the Match: Kamil Mishara
Player of the Series: Dushmantha Chameera
