Tadiwanashe Marumani’s fifty in vain as Sri Lanka emerge victorious

Sri Lanka registered an emphatic series-clinching victory in the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe after a crushing loss in the second affair, where they were bowled out for just 80. The islanders gave a better account of themselves with the bat to chase down a 192-run target, not just winning the game and the series but also pacifying some nerves ahead of the Asia Cup.

On a surface that was more batter-friendly as compared to the previous game’s, Sri Lanka started strongly via Pathum Nissanka, who took a particular liking to Richard Ngarava’s left-arm pace, and second fiddle Kusal Mendis. Even as Mendis was dismissed in the sixth over after shifting gears to take 18 off an over by Blessing Muzarabani, ending a 58-run opening stand, Sri Lanka finished with a robust PowerPlay score of 67/1.

Sikandar Raza castled Nissanka in the eighth over but that barely brought any respite for the Chevrons as a massive 117-run stand ensued between Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera, who vindicated his selection for this game. Boundaries came thick and fast from both ends as the Sri Lankan pair smoothly navigated their side towards glory.

Earlier, Zimbabwe began on a promising note. Tadiwanashe Marumani struck a four and a six in the second over and Sean Williams’ arrival helped Zimbabwe surge further as they concluded the PowerPlay on 58/1. They continued to score at nearly 10 runs an over with Raza smashing a huge six and a four in the ninth over post Williams’ dismissal. The 56-run stand was brought to an end when Raza was out caught trying to reverse-sweep Dushan Hemantha in the 13th over. Marumani kicked on to bring up his fifty but was out stumped in the 15th over in his endeavour to sustain the momentum.

Zimbabwe did not let the loss of wickets slow the scoring rate down. Cameos from Ryan Burl (26), Tashinga Musekiwa (18) and Tony Munyonga (13) saw the accomplishment of a significant total of 191/8. Sri Lanka were not at their best in the field but in the final analysis, those mistakes did not cost them a great deal.