An unbeaten 98-run knock from Pathum Nissanka has helped Sri Lanka to post a stunning 9-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the Pakistan T20i Tri-nation Series.
His knock has helped the side to secure a comfortable win on November 25 at Rawalpindi.
After choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett and Marumani opened the innings while Maheesh Theekshana opened the bowling attack.
Theekshana picked the wicket of Marumani for 4 runs in the first over and then grabbed his second wicket dismissing Dion Myers for 6 runs in the 3rd over.
With Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor at crease, Zimbabwe scored 44 runs in the powerplay.
Wanindu Hasaranga who introduced to attack after the powerplay, picked the wicket of Brendan Taylor for 14 runs. After Brian Bennett’s dismissal for 34 runs, Zimbabwe lost four wickets for 89 runs.
Brilliant knock by Pathum Nissanka, Scoring 98* runs, he guided Sri Lanka to a commanding 9-wicket victory
#SriLankaCricket #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/JXu46U6kjq
— Sri Lanka Cricket
(@OfficialSLC) November 25, 2025
However, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl anchored the innings scoring 37 runs each. Hasaranga bagged his third wicket dismissing Sikandar Raza and with Tashinga’s 6* runs, Zimbabwe scored 146 runs in their 20 overs innings.
Chasing the target of 147 runs, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara opened the innings while Richard Ngarava opened the bowling attack.
Brad Evans did show some glimpse dismissing Mishara for 12 runs. With Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at crease, Sri Lanka scored 64 runs in the powerplay.
Nissanka went on to smash his 18th T20I fifty and continued onfield slaughter completing the chase in the 17th over.
With Kusal Mendis and Nissanka’s 25* and 98* runs, Sri Lanka scored 148 runs and won the game by 9 wickets.
The opener’s knock came from 58 deliveries which included 11 fours and 4 sixes. Pathum Nissanka was named player of the match. Speaking on the post match presentation, he said, “My plan was to play well in the powerplay where we struggled before, I was able to get through that and continue my batting.”
“I analyzed a few areas where I was going wrong, I corrected those and it came off today. It’s not easy to play all three formats and adapt to them. In the practice sessions, I practice differently for each format. (On his favourite six today) I think the scoop shot,” he concluded.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play in the next game of the series on November 26 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
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