“Raza’s Heroics Lead Zimbabwe to 67-Run Upset Over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi”

Sikandar Raza’s All-Round Masterclass Powers Zimbabwe to 67-Run Win Over Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza led from the front as his all-round performance propelled his team to a 67-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Match 2 of the T20I Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 22 November.

Sent in to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 162/8 in 20 overs, thanks to crucial contributions from Brian Bennett (49 off 42) and Raza (47 off 32). Early wickets of Tadiwanashe Marumani (10) and Brendan Taylor (11) had left Zimbabwe reeling at 40/2, but a 61-run partnership for the third wicket steadied the innings. Bennett fell short of a half-century, dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga (3/32), while Raza was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera.

Sri Lanka’s reply never gained traction, as they were bowled out for just 95. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 34, with only Bhanuka Rajapaksa reaching double figures (11). Brad Evans led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with figures of 3/9, supported by Richard Ngarva (2/15) and Raza (1/23).

This victory marked Zimbabwe’s third T20I win over Sri Lanka and their biggest margin of victory against a full-member side. Raza was named Player of the Match for the 19th time in his career, leaving him just behind Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh (22 awards).

Following this emphatic win, Zimbabwe topped the points table with two wins from as many matches and a net run rate of +1.471, while Sri Lanka remain winless at the bottom. Pakistan sits second with two points.