Sri Lanka survived a major scare before Kamindu Mendis’ late blitz guided them to a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Wednesday (September 3). Chasing 176, the visitors looked in full control at 96 for no loss but were forced into a desperate recovery after a spirited fightback from the hosts.
Pathum Nissanka gave Sri Lanka a flying start, continuing his fine form from the ODI series. The opener smashed three boundaries in an over off Blessing Muzarabani before adding two more sixes during the powerplay. Despite Kusal Mendis struggling to find rhythm at the other end, Nissanka powered to a half-century as Sri Lanka reached 96 without loss at the halfway mark, appearing set for a comfortable chase.
But Zimbabwe roared back into the contest with a cluster of wickets. Nissanka miscued a pull and Richard Ngarava quickly removed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis to jolt the innings. Sikandar Raza then added to the drama by dismissing Charith Asalanka, leaving Sri Lanka reeling after such a dominant start. The collapse continued with Muzarabani striking again and Brad Evans sending skipper Dasun Shanaka back. Suddenly, from cruising, Sri Lanka were staring at defeat.
With the target trimmed to 59 off the last five overs and only four wickets left, the visitors’ hopes rested on Kamindu Mendis. The all-rounder initially survived a scare when Evans failed to hold onto a chance, but he capitalised on the lifeline in stunning fashion. Facing Tinotenda Maposa in the 18th over, Mendis launched two sixes and a boundary in an over that went for 26 runs, swinging the game firmly back Sri Lanka’s way.
Even as Ngarava tried to hold his nerve at the death, the damage had already been done. Mendis’ composure ensured Sri Lanka crossed the line with five balls to spare, denying Zimbabwe what could have been a famous win.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had posted a competitive 175 after a lively start. Brian Bennett starred with a quickfire half-century, combining well with Raza to build momentum. However, Dushmantha Chameera’s brilliant penultimate over removed both Bennett and Ryan Burl, restricting the hosts just short of the 180-mark they were eyeing.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers showed fight to nearly defend the total, but Mendis’ calculated aggression proved decisive. The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Zimbabwe left to rue missed chances after a spirited display.
