Kamindu Mendis’ hard-hitting dragged Sri Lanka over the line as it beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in the first of the three-match T20I series, which was played at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe posted 175 for seven in 20 overs, thanks mainly to 81 runs from opener Brian Bennett, and Sri Lanka reached 177 for six with five balls to spare. 

Pathum Nissanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with a swift 55, his 15th T20I half-century, off 32 balls. His innings, however, came to an end after a top edge off Tinotenda Maposa’s bowling was caught by wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani.

His exit triggered a mini-collapse as four Sri Lankan wickets fell in 19 balls with the tourist adding just 10 runs to reach 106 for four.

Mendis, then, blasted an unbeaten 41 runs off 16 balls to see the visitor to victory. His main support came from Dushan Hemantha (14 not out).

The second T20 international will take place on Saturday, once again at the Harare Sports Club.

Published on Sep 03, 2025