Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets within the second T20I of the continuing Zimbabwe tour to Sri Lanka on the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With this victory, the visitors levelled the three-match sequence (1-1).
Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews information Sri Lanka with the willow
Sri Lanka confronted early setbacks of their batting, shedding two wickets within the second over and Kusal Mendis within the fourth, leaving them struggling at 31/4 by the tip of the powerplay. Charith Asalanka, coming in at quantity 5, displayed resilience alongside Angelo Mathews. Asalanka reached his fifth T20I half-century in 31 balls, amassing 69 runs with 5 fours and three sixes.
Regardless of Mathews’ preliminary battle, the pair showcased a exceptional 118-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Asalanka’s departure at 69 marked a turning level. With 20 runs off 32 balls at that time, Mathews accelerated within the latter half, reaching his half-century in 45 balls.
Dasun Shanaka joined Mathews, contributing to an aggressive end within the final two overs. Though Shanaka fell for 9 off 4 balls, Mathews remained unbeaten, accumulating 66 runs in 51 balls, that includes six fours and two sixes. Their efforts propelled the Islanders to a good complete of 173/6 of their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s stellar run-chase
In pursuit of 174 runs, Zimbabwe confronted an early setback, with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe departing for 12 runs. Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett then steadied the innings, including over 70 runs for the second wicket. Ervine reached his half-century, however Bennett fell for 25 runs to Theekshana.
The group misplaced fast wickets, with Sikandar Raza (8) and Sean Williams (1) departing. Regardless of Ervine’s spectacular 70 runs off 54 balls, he fell to Wanindu Hasaranga at a vital second. Ryan Burl‘s transient cameo of 13 runs ended with Chameera’s dismissal.
Needing 30 runs off the final two overs, Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande added ten runs within the penultimate over, establishing a requirement of 20 runs off the ultimate over. Jongwe’s impactful innings, together with 16 runs off the primary three balls, decreased the equation to three runs off 4 balls. Madande secured the victory with a final-ball most, guiding Zimbabwe to a hard-fought win.
Additionally READ: Angelo Mathews slams Sri Lanka Cricket following his lengthy awaited return to T20I format
Right here is how Twitter reacted:
JONGWE! JONGWE! JONGWE!
Zimbabwe hold the wries alive!!!#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/9Uz9e5p9sS
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 16, 2024
Craig ervine carried that innings 💪🏽 Jongwe 🤝Madande with the end 🔥
— Risus 🌷 (@jossychiedza) January 16, 2024
Zimbabwe chased down 20 runs within the closing over. What a recreation 🥵🔥#SLvsZIM pic.twitter.com/eVGb9FYccL
— Cric_Freak (@Cricfreak56) January 16, 2024
2/32 with the ball ☝️25* (12) with the bat 🏏
Luke Jongwe is the Participant of the Match 👏#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/TK1T3e6GPy
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 16, 2024
What a match yarTruely Deserving Victory For ZimbabweYou are unfortunate when you missed final over drama#SLvsZIM pic.twitter.com/MVFxWKUfy5
— Shahid Atk (@ShahidAtk56) January 16, 2024
A ninth half century for the Zimbabwe veteran Craig Ervine off 38 balls. Glorious cricket by the previous captain. pic.twitter.com/Fr4oMDaaFP
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) January 16, 2024
So Zimbabwe have lastly received a recreation on their Sri Lankan tour. Craig Ervine’s half century and Luke Jongwe’s decrease order brilliance helped overcome the hosts in type ✨
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) January 16, 2024
Incredible innings by Craig Ervine, spectacular batting @ZimCricketv
— Devon De Vesser (@devondevesser_) January 16, 2024
30 in final 12 balls & 20 in final 6. C. Ervine, Luke Jongwe, C. Madande are the heroes. Zimbabwe maintain their nerves and stage the T20i sequence (1-1) in opposition to Sri Lanka in R. Premadasa, Colombo. #SLvsZIM #Colombo #VisitSrilanka #visitZimbabwe #ZIMvsSL pic.twitter.com/rKmWMLJB9d
— Monirul Ibna Rabjal 🇧🇩🇪🇺🇫🇷 (@to2monirul) January 16, 2024
Zimbabwe secured among the best comebacks in T20I cricket historical past.💯#SLvsZIM
— Prashanth Indrakumar (@PrashanthIndra1) January 16, 2024
