Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews guide Sri Lanka with the willow
Sri Lanka faced early setbacks in their batting, losing two wickets in the second over and Kusal Mendis in the fourth, leaving them struggling at 31/4 by the end of the powerplay. Charith Asalanka, coming in at number 5, displayed resilience alongside Angelo Mathews. Asalanka reached his 5th T20I half-century in 31 balls, amassing 69 runs with five fours and three sixes.
Despite Mathews’ initial struggle, the pair showcased a remarkable 118-run partnership for the 5th wicket. Asalanka’s departure at 69 marked a turning point. With 20 runs off 32 balls at that point, Mathews accelerated in the latter half, reaching his half-century in 45 balls.
Dasun Shanaka joined Mathews, contributing to an aggressive finish in the last two overs. Although Shanaka fell for nine off four balls, Mathews remained unbeaten, accumulating 66 runs in 51 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. Their efforts propelled the Islanders to a respectable total of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s stellar run-chase
In pursuit of 174 runs, Zimbabwe faced an early setback, with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe departing for 12 runs. Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett then steadied the innings, adding over 70 runs for the second wicket. Ervine reached his half-century, but Bennett fell for 25 runs to Theekshana.
The team lost quick wickets, with Sikandar Raza (8) and Sean Williams (1) departing. Despite Ervine’s impressive 70 runs off 54 balls, he fell to Wanindu Hasaranga at a crucial moment. Ryan Burl‘s brief cameo of 13 runs ended with Chameera’s dismissal.
Needing 30 runs off the last two overs, Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande added ten runs in the penultimate over, setting up a requirement of 20 runs off the final over. Jongwe’s impactful innings, including 16 runs off the first three balls, reduced the equation to 3 runs off four balls. Madande secured the victory with a final-ball maximum, guiding Zimbabwe to a hard-fought win.
Also READ: Angelo Mathews slams Sri Lanka Cricket following his long awaited return to T20I format
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Craig ervine carried that inningsJongwe
Madande with the finish
— Risus(@jossychiedza) January 16, 2024
Zimbabwe chased down 20 runs in the final over. What a game#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 Player of the Match#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/TK1T3e6GPy
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 16, 2024
A ninth half century for the Zimbabwe veteran Craig Ervine off 38 balls. Excellent cricket by the former captain. pic.twitter.com/Fr4oMDaaFP
— Adam Theo(@AdamTheofilatos) January 16, 2024
So Zimbabwe have finally won a game on their Sri Lankan tour. Craig Ervine's half century and Luke Jongwe's lower order brilliance helped overcome the hosts in style
— Behram Qazi
(@DeafMango) January 16, 2024
30 in last 12 balls & 20 in last 6. C. Ervine, Luke Jongwe, C. Madande are the heroes. Zimbabwe hold their nerves and level the T20i series (1-1) against Sri Lanka in R. Premadasa, Colombo. #SLvsZIM #Colombo #VisitSrilanka #visitZimbabwe #ZIMvsSL pic.twitter.com/rKmWMLJB9d
— Monirul Ibna Rabjal(@to2monirul) January 16, 2024
Zimbabwe secured one of the best comebacks in T20I cricket history.#SLvsZIM
— Prashanth Indrakumar (@PrashanthIndra1) January 16, 2024
Also READ: Rassie van der Dussen names Quinton de Kock’s successor in white-ball format for South Africa
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