ZIM vs SL 2025, 3rd T20I Review: Mishara, Perera help Sri Lanka clinch series with convincing win

Published - 07 Sept 2025, 20:32 IST | Updated - 07 Sept 2025, 20:52 IST

Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Zimbabwe by eight wickets and 14 balls to spare in the third T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club. The touring side won the series by a 1-2 after going down in the second match by five wickets.

Zimbabwe got off to positive start before Dushmantha Chameera struck in his first over to get rid of Brian Bennet (13 off 8). However, Zimbabwe raced to 58 by the end of the powerplay. Sean Williams, who had scored 20 out of his 23 runs in boundaries, was Dushan Hemantha's first wicket in the match.

Marumani brought up his fourth T20I half-century in the 13th over although Sikandar Raza (28 off 18) departed in the same over against the run of play to Hemantha. Hemantha returned in his next over to send back Marumani a well compiled 44-ball 51. The Chevrons finished strong with crucial cameos from Ryan Burl (26 off 15) and Tashinga Musekiwa (18 off 11), accumulating 64 runs in the last six overs to put up 191/8 in their 20 overs.

Out to chase, the Lankans got off to a flying start as they had put up 67 for the loss of just one wicket in the powerplay, as Brad Evans dismissed Kusal Mendis (30 off 17) in sixth over. Skipper Sikandar Raza produced the second wicket in the eighth over, getting rid of Pathum Nissanka for 33 off 20.

However, Sri Lanka regained momentum and took the total past 100 at the halfway stage with Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera upping the ante. Mishara got to his maiden T20I fifty in the 16th over, with his enterprising knock including six fours and two sixes. He combined in stellar fashion with Perera to forge an unbeaten 117-run stand off just 63 balls as Zimbabwe continued their search for a wicket. The duo ensured there were no further hiccups as they took Sri Lanka home with over two overs to spare. Mishara stood unbeaten on 73 off 43 while Perera finished unbeaten 46 off 26.