Rawalpindi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Left-arm fast bowler Brad Evans delivered an exceptional performance with figures of 4-0-9-3, while captain Sikandar Raza showcased his all-round abilities to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Zimbabwe bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 95 runs while successfully defending their score of 162/8, clinching a stunning 67-run victory in the T20 Tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

This marks Zimbabwe's most significant victory against a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in T20 cricket. With this win, Zimbabwe ascends to the top of the Tri-series standings based on net run-rate, holding two points from two matches, while Pakistan has two points from just one match. Notably, this was Sri Lanka's inaugural match in the tournament.

Guided by Evans and Richard Ngarava (2-15), the Zimbabwean bowlers delivered a devastating performance, with all six bowlers claiming wickets, transforming what appeared to be a simple target into a nightmare for Sri Lanka.

After electing to field first, Sri Lanka managed to restrict Zimbabwe to 162/8 in 20 overs, a modest score built on a 42-ball 49 from Brian Bennett (4 fours, 1 six) and a 32-ball 47 from captain Sikandar Raza (3 fours, 2 sixes).

Sri Lanka began well, reducing Zimbabwe to 40/2, but a crucial 60-run partnership between Bennett and Raza for the third wicket steadied Zimbabwe's innings. Bennett was dismissed by Hasaranga with the score at 120, prompting a flurry of wickets as Zimbabwe struggled to finish strongly at 162/8.

In their chase for 163, Sri Lanka's innings collapsed quickly, losing Pathum Nissanka on the first ball and Kusal Perera shortly after. They fell to 29/4 just after the Power-play, ultimately bowled out for 95 runs. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought alone, scoring 34 off 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

The Sri Lankan batsmen's performance was dismal, with only Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) accompanying Shanaka in double figures, as extras were the second-highest contributor to the total. The players had to take responsibility for their dismissals, many falling to reckless shots.

Evans claimed the pivotal wicket of Rajapaksa, bowling him out with a straight delivery as the batter attempted to hit his way out of trouble, alongside Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana. Ngarava finished with 2-15, while Raza (1-23), Ryan Buri (1-8), Graeme Cremer (1-17), and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17) contributed to a memorable victory for Zimbabwe.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 162/8 in 20 overs (Bennett 49, Raza 47; Hasaranga 3-32, Malinga 2-27) defeated Sri Lanka 95 all out in 20 overs (Shanaka 34; Evans 3-9, Ngarava 2-15, Raza 1-23) by 67 runs.