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Sri Lanka kept their Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 campaign alive with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fifth match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing 147 for survival, the Islanders produced their most clinical performance of the tournament, led by a sensational unbeaten knock from Pathum Nissanka.
Zimbabwe post competitive total despite slow start
Zimbabwe, opting to bat first, struggled to break free against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. The powerplay yielded limited returns as Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga applied early pressure with sharp turn and clever variations.
The middle overs saw a brief resurgence, thanks to Sikandar Raza‘s counter-attacking 37 and Ryan Burl’s composed unbeaten 37. The duo stitched a valuable stand to help Zimbabwe recover from a shaky start and finish at a respectable 146/5 in their 20 overs.
Theekshana and Hasaranga were Sri Lanka’s standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each while maintaining control over the run rate. Their spells ensured Zimbabwe never truly accelerated despite wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka’s chase dominated by Pathum Nissanka’s batting brilliance
Chasing 147, Sri Lanka produced a batting masterclass—their best of the tournament—led single-handedly by Nissanka, who played one of the finest T20I innings of his career. The opener was flawless from the outset, blending textbook timing with calculated aggression.
Nissanka anchored the innings beautifully, ensuring there was no pressure on the chasing side at any stage. His strokeplay was smooth, his shot selection assured, and Zimbabwe’s bowlers had no answers. He remained unbeaten on a stunning 98 off just 62 deliveries, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.
At the other end, his partner provided solid support, ensuring Sri Lanka maintained a brisk scoring rate. Their partnership dismantled the Zimbabwean attack and sealed the chase with 22 balls to spare. Sri Lanka finished at 148/1 in 16.2 overs, securing a decisive win that drew loud cheers from the stands and renewed excitement in the tournament.
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Qualification scenario heats up
With this victory, Sri Lanka have kept their hopes of making the tri-series final alive. The equation is now straightforward: Sri Lanka must defeat Pakistan in their final league match to qualify for the final. A loss will eliminate them and instead set up a Pakistan vs Zimbabwe final. The upcoming clash against Pakistan is now effectively a semifinal, promising high stakes and high drama.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Long due Pathum Nissanka gets an IPL contract. This level of consistency opening the batting is not common even amidst some quality OS openers. Class player. My bets are on DC to back him.
— Gaurav Jois (@gaurav_jois)
Pathum Nissanka accidentally winning a match with a six is going straight to my top five Lankan cricket moments this year
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf)
Pathum Nissanka won the Man of the Match award for his brilliant 98 off 58 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes. Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 9 wickets.
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet)
Most T20I runs for Sri Lanka
2,326* – Pathum Nissanka (76 Inns)
2,305 – Kusal Perera (89 Inns)— Rana Ahmed (@RanaAhmad056)
– 1305 runs, 45 average in Tests.
– 2823 runs, 40.91 average in ODIs.
– 2326 runs, 31.86 average in T20I.PATHUM NISSANKA – THE ALL FORMAT SUPERSTAR FOR SRI LANKA CRICKET CURRENTLY. 🌟
— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698)
90 vs New Zealand 🇳🇿 (2024)
98* vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 (2025)Pathum Nissanka becomes the FIRST EVER Batter to Score Multiple 90s in T20I Run Chase outside home.💔
— Abdul Rehman Yaseen (@Aryaseen5911)
Sri Lanka have finally won an International match today, after losing 8 matches on trot!
Pathum Nissanka highest scores in T20Is:
107 vs IND @ Dubai, 2025 Asia Cup
98* vs ZIM @ Rawalpindi, 2025
90 vs NZ @ Mount Maunganui, 2024— sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1)
Pathum Nissanka’s Brilliance: 98 off 58 Balls*
— Inaam Afridi (@inaam_afri45087)
Pathum Nissanka is truly Sri Lanka cricket's current all-format superstar, boasting impressive statistics. He has scored 1305 runs in Tests at an average of 45, 2823 runs in ODIs at an average of 40.91, and 2326 runs in T20 Internationals at an average of 31.86.
— Mukesh Kumar (@Mukesh7408)
Pathum nissanka is the babar azam of the Sri Lanka team.
— Waleed 007 🇵🇰🇨🇦🇵🇸 (@waleedhuyaar07)
– 1305 runs, 45 average in Tests.
– 2823 runs, 40.91 average in ODIs.
– 2326 runs, 31.86 average in T20I.PATHUM NISSANKA – THE ALL FORMAT SUPERSTAR FOR SRI LANKA CRICKET CURRENTLY. 🌟
— Hustler (@raksh__it)
