Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 67-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025-26 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, November 20, 2025. Chasing a modest 163, Sri Lanka collapsed spectacularly to 95 all out in 19.1 overs, leaving their fans stunned and Zimbabwe celebrating their first win of the tournament after a last-over heartbreak against Pakistan. The win wasn’t just about runs — it was about resilience, discipline, and a bowling attack that turned pressure into panic.
A batting foundation built on grit
Zimbabwe didn’t explode — they endured. After being asked to bat first by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, they scraped together 162/8 in 20 overs. Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a gritty 49 off 42 balls, while Sikandar Raza added 47 off 41, the pair stitching together a crucial 61-run partnership in just 44 balls. Their calm under pressure steadied the ship after early wickets. No one else crossed 20, but the total was enough — barely — against a Sri Lankan side that had looked dangerous in the ODIs just days earlier.What made the total work was the pitch: slow, low, and gripping. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium turned into a trap for aggressive batsmen. Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, were both dismissed for single-digit scores — Nissanka out for 0 off 5 balls, Perera for 4 off 5. The crowd fell silent. The collapse had begun.
Bowling that broke the back of Sri Lanka
The real story was Zimbabwe’s attack. Luke Jongwe Evans was unplayable, claiming 3/9 in just four overs — his third wicket, a clean bowled dismissal of Janith Liyanage, triggered the final collapse. Blessing Muzarabani added 2/18, including the key scalp of Shanaka, who fought hard with a 25-ball 34 — the only meaningful resistance. Sikandar Raza chipped in with a vital wicket, and Ryan Mabusa cleaned up the tail. Sri Lanka’s extras — 12 runs from wides and byes — told the tale: they were out of sync, out of rhythm, out of ideas.At the drinks break, Sri Lanka were 65/3 — a position where they’d won matches before. But the pressure mounted. The fielding was sloppy. The running between wickets was hesitant. The strike rate dipped below 5.5 per over. By the 17th over, they were 100/5. The end came quickly — 19.1 overs, 95 runs, 10 wickets down. They didn’t just lose — they were dismantled.
A pattern of frustration for Sri Lanka
This wasn’t an anomaly. It was the latest chapter in a growing nightmare. Sri Lanka entered this tri-series winless in Pakistan, having lost all three ODIs in the preceding week. Their batting order — once feared — now looks brittle under pressure. Kusal Perera, who averaged 40.30 in 10 T20Is this year, managed just 4. Pathum Nissanka, with a strike rate of 124.68, was out for a duck. Even Dasun Shanaka, their captain and most experienced player, couldn’t save them.It’s a stark contrast to their form in September 2025, when they beat Zimbabwe by just 2 runs in Harare. Back then, they were clinical. Now, they’re chaotic. The team’s confidence is fraying. And the fact that they’ve now lost five of their last six matches against Zimbabwe — including three by five runs or fewer — makes this defeat feel even more painful.
Zimbabwe’s quiet resurgence
For Zimbabwe, this was redemption. Just two days earlier, they’d lost to Pakistan in the final over of their opener — a match where they’d been one wicket away from victory. This time, they didn’t flinch. Their bowlers executed. Their fielders held catches. Their middle order didn’t panic. Sikandar Raza — now a veteran of over 100 international appearances — showed why he’s still the backbone of their side. And Brian Bennett proved he can anchor under pressure, not just accelerate.The win moves Zimbabwe to 1-1 in the series. It also gives them a psychological edge heading into their final match against Pakistan on November 24. More importantly, it signals that Zimbabwe — often written off as a minnow — still has the grit to compete with top-tier teams when they play with purpose.
What’s next? The final showdown
The third match of the series, between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was played on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the same venue. Pakistan won by 7 wickets after Sri Lanka chose to bat first, with Mohammad Nawaz named Player of the Match. Umpires Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Khan Aafreedi once again officiated — a sign of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s confidence in their officials.Now, Zimbabwe faces Pakistan on November 24 in the tournament decider. A win would mean they finish second in the group. A loss, and they’ll end third. But regardless of the outcome, this win over Sri Lanka has changed the narrative. Zimbabwe isn’t just participating anymore — they’re proving they belong.
Behind the scenes: The tournament’s structure
The Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025-26 is being hosted exclusively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a venue known for its balanced pitch and electric night crowds. The Pakistan Cricket Board organized the series as part of its preparation program for teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers. With no neutral venues, all matches are being played in Pakistan — a bold move given the geopolitical sensitivities around international cricket in the region.Match referee Reon King of West Indies oversaw proceedings with a calm hand. His presence underscores the ICC’s commitment to maintaining standards in emerging series. The officiating team — all from cricketing nations with strong umpiring traditions — kept the game flowing, with only one contentious decision overturned by the TV umpire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Zimbabwe’s bowling compare to Sri Lanka’s in this match?
Zimbabwe’s attack was far more disciplined. Luke Jongwe Evans (3/9) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/18) bowled tight lines under pressure, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers leaked runs — especially in the middle overs. Sri Lanka’s strike rate was just 4.9 per over after the 10th over, compared to Zimbabwe’s 8.1 in the same phase. The difference wasn’t just wickets — it was control.
Why has Sri Lanka struggled so badly in Pakistan?
Sri Lanka has lost all five of their recent matches in Pakistan — three ODIs and now two T20Is. The slow, turning pitches here favor spin and disciplined line-and-length bowling, which exposes their aggressive, high-risk batting style. Their top order lacks patience, and their middle order hasn’t adapted. The team’s confidence is visibly shaken.
What does this win mean for Zimbabwe’s World Cup chances?
This victory boosts Zimbabwe’s standing in the ICC rankings and proves they can compete with full-member nations under pressure. With only two T20I wins in 2025 before this match, beating Sri Lanka by 67 runs signals a turning point. They’re no longer just a team to be beaten — they’re becoming a team that can unsettle favorites.
Who were the key officials in the match?
Umpires Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Khan Aafreedi from Pakistan handled on-field duties, with Rashid Riaz as TV umpire. Reon King of West Indies served as match referee, ensuring adherence to ICC protocols. Their consistent presence across matches highlights the PCB’s focus on maintaining professional standards, even in a low-profile tri-series.
How did the Rawalpindi pitch influence the game?
The pitch was slow and offered grip for spinners from the first over. It favored teams that batted patiently and bowled tight lines. Sri Lanka’s openers couldn’t adapt, while Zimbabwe’s middle order, led by Raza and Bennett, used the conditions intelligently. The average first-innings score here this series is just 157 — making 162 a competitive total.
Is this a sign of Zimbabwe’s cricket revival?
It’s a promising sign. Zimbabwe hasn’t beaten a full-member team in a T20I since 2022. This win — built on teamwork, not individual brilliance — suggests their coaching staff is instilling discipline. With Raza still performing at 36, and young bowlers like Jongwe Evans stepping up, the future looks less bleak than it did six months ago.