Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE skipper Sikandar Raza was left to deal with the pain of losing a match which the Chevrons were set to win as they lost the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
A meltdown in the 18th over bowled by Tinotenda Maposa saw the visitors score 26 runs and turn the game on its head as they won by four wickets.
From struggling at 142-6 in pursuit of 176 for victory, Sri Lanka attacked Maposa and by the end of the over they were sitting pretty on 168-6.
They completed the formalities in the final over to win with five balls to spare.
The script followed what happened in the ODI series where the hosts put themselves into strong positions but then lost after failing to clear the final hurdles.
“I thought we were in the game for 19 overs, but it was one over that went for 20-odd that turned the game,” said Raza.
“These are the experiences the young boys need to have, but hopefully he nails his yorkers on another day.
“We knew the second innings could be tough to bat, but Kamindu played brilliantly.
“You back yourselves when a team needs 36 off the last three overs.
The young boy bowled well, had one tough over and he’ll learn from this.
“Unfortunately, when we find ourselves in winning positions there’s a panic, but I hope once we get some wins under the belt hopefully we’ll start to close out more games going forward.”
Brian Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with 81 from 57 balls as they posted 175-7.
Kamindu Mendis was named player of the match.
“I had to hit some boundaries in the situation, I just kept calm and expressed myself. It was a good surface, they batted really well, so did our openers, was a good wicket.”
The scorecard might suggest it was a comfortable win as Sri Lanka got there with balls to spare but it was far from it.
They were off to a good start with Nissanka going berserk in the powerplay and ensuring Sri Lanka raced to 65 in the first six overs.
They added 96 for the opening wicket and were cruising at the 10-over mark, but things changed dramatically as Zimbabwe fought back and picked 4 for 10 in 19 balls.
The game was in the balance and had Brad Evans held on to a tough chance off Mendis when he was on four then things might have been different.
As it turned out he was the key for Sri Lanka and smashing Maposa for 26 runs in the 18th over sealed the game in their favour.
That’s how this series has been so far and the T20Is started with yet another rollercoaster game.
It’s one that was decided in the end by a blazing Mendis’ 41 off 16.
And Sri Lanka needed each and every one of those 41 runs, after they had
collapsed from 96 for 1 to 125 for 5, and then 142 for 6. − Sports Reporter/Cricbuzz/Cricinfo
