At the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, September 3, Kamindu Mendis displayed his power game to give Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
In the first Twenty20 International, Charith Asalanka chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Brian Bennett had a tremendous performance as Zimbabwe amassed 59 runs inside the powerplay, but Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sean Williams were unable to make it matter.
To assist his team build a strong foundation, the right-handed batter added half-century partnerships with veteran all-rounder Ryan Burl and skipper Sikandar Raza. However, the hosts were limited to 175/7 after losing two wickets in the final two overs, respectively. Bennett hit 12 boundaries and smashed 81 off just 57 balls to lead the Chevrons in scoring.
The best bowler was Dushmantha Chameera, who finished with figures of 3/30 in four overs. Additionally, Dushan Hemantha bowled brilliantly, giving up just 28 runs and taking one wicket.
In response, Sri Lanka got off to a fast start thanks to 96 runs added in the first 11 overs by the opening combination of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. But in order to regain the game, Zimbabwe claimed a barrage of wickets in the middle overs. After over No. 17, Sri Lanka fell to 142/6 from 96/0 at the conclusion of 10 overs.
The final three overs needed to yield 34 runs. Kamindu Mendis scored an undefeated 41 runs off of 16 balls, including four sixes and one four.
With four wickets remaining, Sri Lanka easily won in 19.1 overs thanks in part to Hemantha’s unbeaten 14 off nine balls.
In four overs, Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets for 19 runs during a brilliant effort. Raza finished with 1/26 in four overs after bowling well as well. It was insufficient, though, to lead Zimbabwe to victory.
On Saturday, September 6, the two teams will play the second Twenty20 International at the same location. While Zimbabwe has little choice but to aim for victory, Sri Lanka would want to finish the series.
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