Nissanka's 98 Powers SL to Win Over Zim, Keeps Tri-Series Hopes Alive

RAWALPINDI: Pathum Nissanka came back with a bang, belting 98 of 58 balls to a shattering win by Sri Lanka over Zimbabwe in a game that India had to win. Sri Lanka was chasing a modest target of 147,  and they achieved it comfortably in only 16.2 overs, with Nissanka carrying them through to the finish.

Not only did the result provide Sri Lanka with its first T20I victory on the tour, but it also ended a five-match losing streak. The win has given Sri Lanka the prospect of making it to the tri-series final: a win in their last group stage game against Pakistan on Thursday would see them through to the final.

Nissanka's Blazing Knock Breaks the Drought

Before the explosive knock of Pathum Nissanka, the bowlers of Sri Lanka had managed to keep Zimbabwe down to a very low score of 146/5. The notable bowlers were Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, who had two wickets each and settled with the same score of 2/23. Although there was a strong partnership of 36 runs between Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe could not muster any substantial momentum, with the late hitting by Ryan Burl being the only actual challenge.

The opportunity was seized by Nissanka, who came up after a lean run immediately after his 107 against India in the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka had got a good start and was at 64/1 after six overs, with Nissanka contributing 37 to it. He reached 51 more runs in the course of his blistering form in the middle overs that put Sri Lanka within reach of the target.

Nissanka only had three balls remaining in the innings, but he clinched the victory with a massive six over backward square leg. It was a kind of confusion also, because Nissanka wanted to score a four to achieve his second T20I century, but the shot went off to six, and he is smiling in disbelief at his strength.

Theekshana's Vital Contribution in the Field

Nissanka was the one who made the limelight stealer with the bat, but Maheesh Theekshana also played a significant role with the ball. Theekshana had been dropped in the second match of the tri-series of Sri Lanka but was recalled to play in this match, and he made an impact.

The new ball was given to him, and he struck early. Zimbabwe had lost two game changers, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers, by the time he had made his three-over spell end in the power play. Theekshana felt at home, and his figures were 2/19 at the end of the third over. After the power play ended, Zimbabwe was at 44/2, and the necessary run rate was slowly increasing.

Theekshana came back to bowl in the death overs and only gave four runs in his last over, which played a key role in maintaining the pressure of Zimbabwe. It was a difficult year for Theekshana, though this performance was a reminder of what he can do when he is at his best.

Bennett and Raza's Fight Fails to Last

Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza have played the top performances of Zimbabwe in this tri-series, and their contributions are very high towards the total of their team. Nevertheless, the efforts of both players failed at the very important time, and Zimbabwe’s batting failed once again.

Bennett also made sure that the scoring rate was not less than seven per over, especially when Brendan Taylor was unable to be quite fluent. Their 36-run alliance was made out of 28 balls, which is good but not sufficient to create a strong base. When Taylor was dismissed, Sikandar Raza joined Bennett, and the two ran off another 36 to 30 balls. But subsequently, when Bennett got hit-wicket, Raza followed him, and Zimbabwe was left in a dangerous situation.

Burl's Late Flourish Not Enough

After struggling for consistency during the series, Ryan Burl entered the crease with Zimbabwe in trouble. Burl also contributed to the overall surpassing of 140 after the firing of Raza and Bennett. Although Burl was only hitting 1 off 7 balls when Raza dropped, he needed to get into his groove and took 36 hits off 19 balls to give the innings a much-needed kick-start.

Regrettably, Zimbabwe was not able to match Burl in his cameo appearance, and with no good support from the lower order, they were far from a competitive total. Tashinga Musekiwa, 6 off 14 balls, did little to help the cause, as Zimbabwe was left with a total that Sri Lanka easily trailed at its heels.

This victory now propels Sri Lanka into their last game with Pakistan, and they are well aware that they will win, which will ensure they are in the tri-series final. Though the form of Nissanka is going to be a massive boost, the efforts of the bowlers, especially those of Theekshana and Hasarangas, will play a vital role in the event that Sri Lanka is willing to continue the same pace and make it to the final.