ZIM vs SL 2025: 2nd T20I Review - Sikandar Raza leads from front as Zimbabwe level series

Published - 06 Sept 2025, 20:45 IST | Updated - 06 Sept 2025, 21:14 IST

Zimbabwe won the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, September 6, against Sri Lanka to keep the three-match series alive.

Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first in the do-or-die game for the Chevrons. The Sri Lankan openers were dismissed for single-digit scores. Kamil Mishara was the top-scorer for the tourists as he scored a run-a-ball 20.

Nuwanidu Fernando could only manage one run as Sri Lanka lost four wickets inside the powerplay. Raza dismissed his opposite number, Charith Asalanka, who scored 18 off 23 balls. Kamindu Mendis also fell to Raza for a four-ball duck. Dasun Shanaka was the last hope for Sri Lanka, but he fell for 15 off 21 balls in the 13th over.

The Island Nation lost its last five wickets for just 16 runs to get bundled out for 80 in 17.4 overs. Raza was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with brilliant figures of 3/11 in four overs. Brad Evans also bowled well, finishing with figures of 3/15 in 2.4 overs. Blessing Muzarabani also chipped in with a couple of wickets in what was a sensational bowling performance by the hosts.

In reply, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani got Zimbabwe off to a sedate start, adding 20 runs. However, from 20/3, the home side slipped to 27/3 inside the powerplay. Bennett and Ryan Burl added a 26-run stand off 23 balls to settle the nerves.

Bennett was eventually dismissed by Binura Fernando after scoring 19 off 23 balls. Tony Munyonga departed in the 12th over, as Zimbabwe lost half their side with 61 runs on the board in 11.2 overs.

Burl held one end up by using his experience, while Tashinga Musekiwa took his chances. They helped Zimbabwe get over the line with an unbeaten 23-run partnership off 18 balls. Burl finished on 20* off 22 balls. On the other hand, Musekiwa remained not out on 21 off 14 deliveries. Dushmantha Chameera bagged a three-for but it went in vain.