Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi and Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Sikandar Raza said the bowling unit was a let down as Sri Lanka made a remarkable comeback to beat the hosts by eight wickets and claim the T20I series at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The defeat was a huge dent on the sport, coming just a day after the women’s side had punched their ticket to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier on Saturday with a ruthless nine-wicket demolition of Namibia in the Africa Qualifier final.
But the men’s side disappointed yesterday when they lost the T20I series 1-2 to Sri Lanka on a good batting wicket.
The visitors batted with urgency and cruised to 193/2 in 17.2 overs on a sunny afternoon in Harare.
The Indian Ocean islanders knew they had a game in their hands after the hosts had posted a competitive 191/7 when asked to bat first.
This was Zimbabwe’s fourth-highest T20I score against a full member, thanks to a half-century from Tadiwanashe Marumani.
The vociferous Zimbabwe fans fancied their chances for an upset series win, having witnessed their team condemn Sri Lanka to their second-lowest T20I total (80) the previous day.
But the bowlers failed to maintain the momentum yesterday as the Chevrons failed to defend the total.
For Sri Lanka, this was their second-highest successful chase after the 194 against Bangladesh.
Kamil Mishara was the Man of the Match yesterday with an unbeaten 73 runs from 43 balls.
Openers Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (30) set the platform for the chase after putting 58 runs for the first wicket, in 5.2 overs.
Then Mishara and Kusal Perera took the game away from the hosts with an unbeaten 173-run partnership from 63 balls.
Mishra’s innings included six boundaries and three maximums. Perera provided excellent support with his 46 from 26 deliveries.
Zimbabwe’s frontline bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani were severely punished, while there was a wicket each for Brad Evans and skipper Sikandar Raza.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka felt the wicket at Harare Sports Club was excellent for batting compared to the previous day.
“Yes of course because we achieved chasing over 190; not easy after yesterday’s (Saturday’s five wicket) defeat.” It was hard to comeback like this. The pitch looked good in the powerplay. We just focused on minimising the boundaries and keeping it under 200.
“Mishara and Perera really impressed by that performance. It’s not easy to carry on 10-11 runs an over through middle overs. But I’m happy with our character after yesterday’s (Saturday’s) performance, it’s something the best teams tend to do,” said Asalanka.
Earlier on, he had won the toss and elected Sri Lanka to bowl first.
Zimbabwe also benefitted from the batting track, although their total later proved not enough.
Marumani was in brilliant form, scoring his fourth T20I half-century, with his 51 runs.
However, this was his first half ton against a full member. His previous fifties were against Rwanda (50), Seychelles (86) and Gambia (62) in the World Cup continental Qualifiers. Marumani started well with Brian Bennett yesterday but the partnership was thwarted after putting on 26 runs from just 2.3 overs.
Marumani was involved in four partnerships to keep the Zimbabwean innings going as Sean Williams weighed in with a quickfire 23 (from 11 balls).
The fourth wicket with Sikandar Raza was the best for Zimbabwe with 56 runs from 36 balls.
Raza admitted the bowling was a major let down yesterday.
“Overall I thought the batting unit clicked, and the intent and the shots we played today was certainly something to hold our heads high.
“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,” said Raza.
Meanwhile, Lady Chevrons coach Walter Chawaguta is already focused on the future after the women team’s victory at the continental qualifier in Namibia on Saturday.
“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 which are mindset, fielding and tactical acumen.
“Our powerplay batting must become more aggressive and expressive. We have the resources down the order to support that audacity.
“We have chased more runs than necessary due to lapses in the field. That ends now. We will be instilling a new level of desperation and energy.
“Our bowling has been stout, but it requires full backing from every fielder. Technical and fitness work will be non-negotiable.”
Chawaguta said the team’s success is a watershed moment for women’s cricket in Zimbabwe.
“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 are crucial for growing the game. It creates a larger player pool, fosters competition for places, and naturally elevates the quality of the entire system.” On the fans, Chawaguta said: “We have lived up to the expectation so far by focusing solely on our process, not the outcome,” he said.
“We are still a work in progress, defining our aggressive brand. But we are pleased with our position. Now, we ask for your continued support.”
