Rawalpindi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Left-arm pacer Brad Evans delivered a remarkable performance with figures of 4-0-9-3, while captain Sikandar Raza excelled with his all-round skills, leading to the collapse of Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Zimbabwe bowled out Sri Lanka for just 95 runs and successfully defended their total of 162/8, securing a 67-run victory in the T20 Tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

This victory marks Zimbabwe's largest win against a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in T20 history. With this triumph, Zimbabwe has ascended 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 one match. This was Sri Lanka’s initial match in the series.

Guided by Evans and Richard Ngarava (2-15), the Zimbabwean bowlers delivered an outstanding collective effort, with all six bowlers claiming wickets and transforming what seemed like a manageable target into a nightmare for the Sri Lankan side.

After winning the toss and opting to field, Sri Lanka restricted Zimbabwe to 162/8 in 20 overs. This modest total was bolstered by a 42-ball 49 from Brian Bennett (4x5, 6x1) and a 32-ball 47 from skipper Raza (4x3, 6x2).

Sri Lanka started well, having Zimbabwe at 40/2, but a 60-run partnership between Bennett and Raza for the third wicket changed the momentum. Bennett was dismissed by Hasaranga when the score reached 120, leading to a flurry of wickets as Zimbabwe was ultimately restricted to 162/8.

In pursuit of 163, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the fifth ball of the first over, followed by Kusal Perera shortly after. They soon found themselves at 29/4 after the Power-play and were unable to recover, eventually being bowled out for 95. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought valiantly, scoring 34 off 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

It was a disappointing outing for the Sri Lankan batsmen, with only Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11) joining Shanaka in double figures, as extras contributed the second-highest score. The batters can only blame themselves, as many fell attempting ill-advised shots.

Evans secured the crucial wicket of Rajapaksa, cleaning him up with a straight delivery as the batter attempted a desperate shot. Ngarava finished with 2-15, while Raza (1-23), Ryan Buri (1-8), Graeme Cremer (1-17), and Tinotenda Maposa (1-17) also took wickets in this memorable victory.

Brief scores:

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