Sri Lanka exacted revenge for last week’s loss to Zimbabwe with a commanding nine-wicket victory on November 25, keeping their hopes alive in the tri-series. After restricting Zimbabwe to a modest 146/5, Sri Lanka chased the target in just 16.2 overs, led by a blistering 98* from Pathum Nissanka off 58 balls.

Zimbabwe’s innings began poorly, with Maheesh Theekshana removing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers in successive overs. Brian Bennett steadied the innings with a quickfire 22 off 12 balls, while Sikandar Raza built a partnership with him after Dasun Shanaka dismissed Brendan Taylor. Zimbabwe reached 85/2 after 12 overs, but Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice to derail the middle order. Ryan Burl, who had impressed in the previous game, scored an unbeaten 37, but Zimbabwe could only post a par total.

Chasing 147, Sri Lanka needed to maintain a strong run rate to surpass Zimbabwe’s NRR. Nissanka led the way with aggressive strokeplay, hitting boundaries off four consecutive balls in the fifth over. Despite losing Kamil Mishara to Brad Evans, Nissanka dominated the Zimbabwe attack, clearing the ropes twice in one over off Richard Ngarava. He narrowly missed out on a century, falling just two runs short.

Sri Lanka’s emphatic win sets up a crucial final league game against hosts Pakistan, with a spot in the tri-series final at stake.

Brief Scores:

• Zimbabwe: 146/5 in 20 overs (Ryan Burl 37*, Sikandar Raza 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23, Maheesh Theekshana 2/23)
• Sri Lanka: 148/1 in 16.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 98*; Brad Evans 1/36) – Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets