AI Simulation, SL vs ZIM | Sri Lanka edge past Zimbabwe in nail-biting finish at Rawalpindi

‌Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi offered a true, pace-friendly T20 surface with consistent bounce and early seam movement. The first two overs saw both teams probing the new ball for breakthroughs, while spinners controlled the run flow in the middle overs. Conditions were dry and warm, with temperatures hovering between 23-26°C, and dew later in the evening favored chasing, but Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first paid dividends in the end.

Toss

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, aiming to set a competitive total under lights while putting Zimbabwe under scoreboard pressure.

Lineups

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga

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

Match Report

Sri Lanka’s innings began steadily with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis taking charge in the powerplay. Nissanka, in particular, was assertive, hitting five fours and a six in his 29-ball 42, while Mendis rotated strike efficiently to post 35 off 22. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals – Mishara (20 off 15) and Perera (18 off 10) fell cheaply – contributions from Kamindu Mendis (25 off 14) and Shanaka (15 off 8) ensured Sri Lanka posted a competitive 172/6. Zimbabwe’s pace attack, led by Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, struck at key moments, with each picking up a couple of wickets, but lacked the consistency to stem the scoring.

Chasing 173, Zimbabwe started positively through Brian Bennett (38 off 25) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 off 18), forming a brisk opening partnership. Sikandar Raza counter-attacked effectively, scoring 35 off 20, and Brendan Taylor added 22 off 15 to keep the chase alive. However, the disciplined Sri Lankan bowling – Dushmantha Chameera (2/28), Nuwan Thushara (2/30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/27) – struck crucial blows in the middle overs, preventing Zimbabwe from building a big partnership. Despite late efforts from Ryan Burl and Tinotenda Maposa, the African nation fell agonizingly short, finishing at 169/8.

The match boiled down to the final over, with Zimbabwe needing eight runs off six balls but failing to convert. Sri Lanka’s death bowling, coupled with timely wickets, ensured a tense but narrow victory for the island nation.

Player of the Match

Pathum Nissanka was awarded the Player of the Match for his composed 42-run innings at the top of the order, providing the foundation for Sri Lanka’s total and setting the tone for a tense, low-margin victory.

Scorecard