AI Simulation, SRI vs ZIM | Sri Lanka extend dominance as Nissanka anchors total and Hasaranga spins Zimbabwe out

‌Pitch and Weather

The Rawalpindi track offered true bounce and pace, and rewarded batters who played straight but punished mistimed shots. The outfield was quick, encouraging boundary scoring, while spinners found grip in the middle overs. Temperatures hovered around 32°C with light winds, and dew made its way in the second half, giving a slight advantage to the chasing side.

Toss

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total under clear and dry conditions.

Lineups

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer

Match Report

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka started cautiously against Zimbabwe’s seam attack. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis built a 90-run opening partnership, with Nissanka racing to 54 off 38 balls with crisp boundaries and timely rotation of strike. Kusal Perera contributed a brisk 22, while Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis added valuable runs in the middle overs. Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s cameo of 11 off 7 balls ensured Sri Lanka reached 185/6 in their 20 overs, with extras contributing 34, putting additional scoreboard pressure on Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s chase began with promise as Brian Bennett (32) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (28) rotated strike well in the powerplay. Brendan Taylor tried to stabilise the innings with 24 runs, and Sikandar Raza added 18 in brief resistance. However, Wanindu Hasaranga’s three-wicket burst in the middle overs broke crucial partnerships, while Maheesh Theekshana kept the scoring in check with tight lines. Late wickets from Dushmantha Chameera ensured Zimbabwe could not accelerate, and they were bowled out for 156 in 19.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s combination of top-order stability and spin dominance proved decisive. Zimbabwe showed flashes of resistance, but inconsistent partnerships and pressure in the middle overs prevented any serious challenge.

Player of the Match

Pathum Nissanka – for anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings with a composed 54, providing the platform for a defendable total and setting up a comprehensive win.

Scorecard