Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi and Blessing Malinganiza
ZIMBABWE captain Sikandar Raza did not mince his words after his bowlers let the team down in a decisive eight wicket defeat to Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club yesterday. The result handed the visitors the T20I series 2-1 and deflated the buoyant home crowd that had come expecting an upset.
It was a tough blow for local cricket. Only a day earlier, the Lady Chevrons had given the nation a lift by crushing Namibia in Windhoek to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. But the men’s side failed to build on that momentum.
On a flat batting track, Zimbabwe looked in control after posting 191 for seven, their fourth-highest T20I score against a full member nation. Tadiwanashe Marumani’s fluent 51 led the charge, his first half-century against elite opposition after earlier fifties against Rwanda, Seychelles, and Gambia.
The home fans roared with belief. After all, Zimbabwe had bowled out Sri Lanka for just 80 the previous day. But yesterday the bowlers unravelled, and Sri Lanka stormed to 193 for two in just 17.2 overs.
It was the islanders’ second highest successful chase in T20I cricket, and Kamil Mishara was the star of the show. The 23-year-old left hander smashed an unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, putting on 117 with Kusal Perera, who added 46 from 26. Openers Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (30) had already set the tone with a brisk 58-run stand in the powerplay.
Zimbabwe’s strike bowlers, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, took the heaviest punishment. Brad Evans and Raza himself claimed the only two wickets to fall.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka praised his side’s character after their bounce back win.
“Yes of course, because we achieved chasing over 190, which isn’t easy after yesterday’s defeat,” he said. “The pitch looked good in the powerplay. Mishara and Perera really impressed, carrying 10-11 runs an over through the middle overs. I’m happy with our character. That’s what the best teams do.”
For Zimbabwe, the positives came only with the bat. Raza admitted as much.
“Overall I thought the batting unit clicked, and the intent and the shots we played today was certainly something to hold our heads high,” he said. “I thought 191 was a very good score on that wicket. Credit where it’s due, Sri Lanka batted really well. Certainly the bowling unit, including myself, will hold our hands up and say we weren’t up to the mark today.”
While the men faltered, the women’s team offered hope for the future. Coach Walter Chawaguta believes their victory in Namibia is a turning point.
“This isn’t an overnight miracle, it’s a testament to sheer desperation,” he said. “These girls are desperate to do well, desperate to progress. That hunger is our foundation. We will be targeting three pillars: mindset, fielding, and tactical acumen.
“Our powerplay batting must become more aggressive. We’ve chased more runs than necessary due to lapses in the field, and that ends now. Bowling has been stout, but it needs full backing from every fielder. Technical and fitness work will be non negotiable.”
Chawaguta said the triumph means more than just a qualification.
“It points directly to opportunity. When a young girl picks up a bat and ball, she now sees a tangible path, a future with travel, pride, and purpose. Positive results like this grow the game, widen the player pool, and lift standards across the system.”
To the fans, he added: “We’ve lived up to expectations so far by focusing solely on process, not outcome. We’re still a work in progress, but we are pleased with our position. Now we ask for your continued support.”
