After last ball thriller between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the first T20I, both the teams took the field again on Tuesday (16th January). The second match between the teams took place at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday (16th January).
The coin went in favour of Zimbabwe and they opted to field first. Their decision to bowl first paid off incredibly well as they left Sri Lanka tottering at 27/4. Big names in Pathum Nissanka (1), Kusal Mendis (4), Kusal Perera (0) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (16) back in the hut.
However, it was then that vice-captain Charith Asalanka and veteran Angelo Mathews joined hands. They led the rescue charge and bailed the team out of trouble with their stellar performance with the bat that put the opposition under pressure.
While Asalanka ended with the knock of 69 runs off 39 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes, Mathews ended with the unbeaten knock of 66 runs off 51 balls. He also hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in his innings and when the time they were batting, Zimbabwe had no answers to the onslaught by them.
The duo added 118 runs together for the 5th wicket helping Sri Lanka post a decent total on the board. Dasun Shanaka (9) hit a vital boundary in the end that powered Sri Lanka to a total of 173 runs in their quota of 20 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani picked two wickets along with Luke Jongwe, who also bagged two scalps. Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza also picked one scalp each as they helped their team restrict opponents under a total of 180 runs.
SL vs ZIM Scorecard, 2nd T20I Highlights: Zimbabwe chased the target by 4 wickets
Zimbabwe’s chase started on a decent note as they added 22 runs for the opening stand before Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (12) was removed by Dilshan Madushanka. Craig Ervine on the other end continued playing his shots and made sure that he kept his team in the hunt.
Brian Bennett, who came at No.3, played a vital hand of 25 runs but couldn’t carry on as he was removed by Maheesh Theekshana. He along with Ervine added 74 runs for the partnership and it looked like Zimbabwe was all set for victory in the second game.
However, after his wicket, Zimbabwe lost wickets in clusters and in no time was reduced to 112/4. Craig Ervine notched up a half-century and played well but he got out at a crucial time and perished for 70 runs in the 17th over of the game.
Ryan Burl contributed crucial 13 runs but after he got out Zimbabwe looked down and dusted. With 20 runs needed off the last over, Luke Jongwa (24*) and Clive Madane (15*) took Angelo Mathews to the cleaners and won the game for their team by 4 wickets to go 1-1 in the series.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera picked two wickets each. Whereas Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga picked one wicket each. The series between the two teams is now levelled and the stage is all set for the mouth-watering decider.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka: 173/6 (Angelo Mathews 66*; Luke Jongwe 2/32)
Zimbabwe: 178/6 ( Craig Evans 70; Maheesh Theekshana 2/25)
