Kamindu Mendis showcased his power game on Wednesday, September 3, to help Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club.
Charith Asalanka won the toss in the first T20I and opted to bowl first. While Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sean Williams failed to make it count, Brian Bennett played a blinder of an innings to help Zimbabwe amass 59 runs inside the powerplay.
The right-handed batter added half-century partnerships with captain Sikandar Raza and veteran all-rounder Ryan Burl to help his team form a solid foundation. However, two wickets fell in the last two overs, respectively, as the hosts were restricted to 175/7. Bennett top-scored for the Chevrons, smashing 81 off just 57 balls, belting 12 boundaries.
Dushmantha Chameera turned out to be the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/30 in four overs. Dushan Hemantha also bowled well, conceding just 28 runs and bagging a solitary wicket.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a blistering start as the opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added 96 runs inside the first 11 overs. However, Zimbabwe took a flurry of wickets through the middle overs to get back into the game. From 96/0 at the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka slumped to 142/6 after over No. 17.
34 runs were required off the last three overs. Kamindu Mendis hit four sixes and one four during his unbeaten knock of 41 runs off just 16 balls. Hemantha also chipped in with an unbeaten 14 off nine balls as Sri Lanka romped home in 19.1 overs with four wickets to spare.
Richard Ngarava bowled a fine spell, picking up two wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Raza also bowled well to finish with 1/26 in four overs. However, it wasn’t enough to take Zimbabwe to victory.
The two teams will compete in the second T20I at the same venue on Saturday, September 6. Sri Lanka will want to wrap up the series, while Zimbabwe have no other option but to go for a victory.
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