ZIM vs SL, 2nd T20I: Here’s why Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara are not playing today’s match

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In the second match of the three-game T20I series, Zimbabwe won the toss at the Harare Sports Club and elected to field, a decision aimed at putting pressure on the Sri Lankan side from the outset.

While the hosts are confident enough in their unit to play an unchanged XI, Sri Lanka, who hold a 1-0 series lead, have made two key changes to their lineup. Bunura Fernando and top-order batter Kamil Mishara have been brought into the playing XI, replacing Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara. The changes are a clear response to recent performances.

Perera has been struggling for form, failing to replicate his match-winning century in New Zealand and enduring four consecutive low-scoring outings, prompting his replacement by Mishara, who returns to the national team after a notable three-year absence. Meanwhile, Thushara’s expensive spell in the first T20I, where he conceded 47 runs from his four overs, led to him being left out in favor of Fernando. With the series on the line for Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka aiming to secure a dominant 2-0 lead, these tactical adjustments highlight the importance of form and performance in this pivotal match.

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After winning the toss at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends, as they inflicted a top-order collapse on Sri Lanka in the second T20I. The visitors, who entered the match with a 1-0 series lead, stumbled dramatically during the Powerplay, finishing with a score of just 37/4 after six overs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, exploited the conditions perfectly, with both bowlers taking two crucial wickets each. Sri Lanka lost their top four batters in quick succession, with Kusal Mendis (1), Pathum Nissanka (2), Nuwanidu Fernando (1) and Mishara (2) all failing to make an impact. As a result of this collapse, the Sri Lankan innings is now being rebuilt by captain Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis, who have the arduous task of guiding the team to a respectable total from a precarious position. The early wickets have put Zimbabwe firmly in control of the match, leaving Sri Lanka with a monumental challenge to post a competitive score.

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