Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I 2025 Full Match Report | Scorecard, Highlights & Analysis

Introduction

Cricket often thrives on unpredictability. The shortest format of the game, Twenty20, is particularly notorious for producing results that swing between the extremes of domination and collapse. On 6 September 2025, the Harare Sports Club witnessed such a spectacle, as Zimbabwe produced a bowling masterclass to dismantle Sri Lanka for just 80 runs—the island nation’s second-lowest T20I total in history. In reply, Zimbabwe chased the target with ease, winning by five wickets with 34 balls to spare.

This was not merely a game of numbers or statistics—it was a clash of narratives. Sri Lanka, a proud cricketing nation, carried the weight of expectations and a recent run of success after winning the ODI series. Zimbabwe, long dismissed as underdogs, entered with grit, determination, and the leadership of Sikandar Raza, who has become the face of Zimbabwean cricket’s revival.

What unfolded over less than two and a half hours of play was a vivid reminder of why T20 cricket captures imaginations. For Sri Lanka, it was a nightmare; for Zimbabwe, it was a day of celebration and vindication. This article revisits the drama in its entirety—buildup, collapse, chase, analysis, and the broader significance of this extraordinary encounter.

Pre-Match Setting

The Venue: Harare Sports Club

Harare Sports Club is more than just a cricket ground. Located in the heart of Zimbabwe’s capital, it has hosted iconic moments, from World Cup games to thrilling bilateral clashes. Its intimate seating capacity, surrounded by greenery, allows fans to create a raucous yet familial atmosphere. On this September afternoon, the ground carried the buzzing energy of expectation. Fans arrived waving the Zimbabwean flag, beating drums, and singing local chants, while a smaller contingent of Sri Lankan supporters added color with their blue and yellow attire.

The pitch appeared slightly dry but firm, with a hint of grass patches. Analysts predicted seam movement early and some grip for spinners later. Historically, Harare is not known for massive T20 totals, so both captains knew the importance of discipline with the ball and patience with the bat.

Team Context and Momentum

Sri Lanka entered the match on a high, having won the ODI series 2–0 earlier in the tour. They had also clinched the first T20I, putting them 1–0 ahead in the three-match series. A win in the second match would not only seal the series but also bolster confidence ahead of upcoming tournaments like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, had shown resilience throughout the series but had failed to convert opportunities into results. The second T20I represented both survival and pride. Sikandar Raza, the inspirational captain, had been vocal about the need to play “fearless but smart cricket.” His words hinted at an aggressive approach, but one tempered with tactical nous.

Team Compositions

• Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

• Zimbabwe XI: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Clive Madande (wk), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (capt), Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.

The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s talismanic all-rounder, loomed large. Without his batting depth and spin prowess, the Lankan middle order looked vulnerable. Zimbabwe’s pace attack, led by Muzarabani and Evans, sensed opportunity.

Sri Lanka’s Innings: A Collapse for the Ages

The Decision to Bat First

Sri Lanka, perhaps influenced by the dry surface and the prospect of scoreboard pressure, chose to bat first after winning the toss. Analysts agreed it was a bold decision but one fraught with risk. The Harare track tends to assist seamers under the afternoon sun, especially in the first 5–6 overs.

Early Setbacks

The innings began with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opening. From the outset, Blessing Muzarabani extracted sharp bounce and seam. In just the second over, Nissanka misjudged a delivery that angled across him, edging to the keeper.

Mendis tried to counterattack, hitting a crisp boundary off Brad Evans, but perished attempting another expansive stroke, caught at mid-on. Sri Lanka were 12/2 in the 3rd over—a disastrous start.

Raza Strikes Gold

Enter Sikandar Raza. The captain brought himself on early, sensing blood. His off-spin immediately troubled Kamindu Mendis, who attempted a reckless sweep and was trapped lbw. Raza then dismissed Angelo Mathews with a beautifully flighted delivery that dipped and turned past the bat. Within the blink of an eye, Sri Lanka were 38/5 in the 7th over.

Raza’s spell of 4–0–11–3 was a masterclass in T20 bowling—tight lines, subtle variations, and clever use of the field.

Brief Resistance

Captain Charith Asalanka and former skipper Dasun Shanaka attempted to rebuild. They rotated strike and found the occasional boundary, stitching together a 25-run stand. But the pressure of dot balls mounted. Shanaka fell to Brad Evans, trying to break free with a lofted shot. Asalanka, battling hard, was caught in the deep for 18.

The Tail Collapses

With the set batters gone, the tail folded quickly. Evans and Muzarabani returned to clean up the lower order. Samarawickrama and Theekshana offered little resistance, while Pathirana was bowled by a sharp yorker.

Sri Lanka were bundled out for 80 in 17.4 overs—their second-lowest T20I total ever and the lowest against Zimbabwe. For a team that prides itself on batting depth, the collapse was both shocking and humiliating.

Zimbabwe’s Chase: Calm and Clinical

The Target: 81 Runs

Chasing 81 was never going to be about run rate; it was about temperament. Zimbabwe had collapsed in low chases before, so caution was essential. Raza reminded his teammates of the need to “respect every ball.”

Opening Partnership

Innocent Kaia fell early to Dushmantha Chameera, who bowled with fire, claiming 3/19 in his 4 overs. However, Tadiwanashe Marumani counterattacked, scoring a quick 17 off 12 balls, including two boundaries. His intent forced Sri Lanka to spread the field, reducing pressure on incoming batters.

Middle Order Stability

Brian Bennett (19 off 23) and Milton Shumba (15 off 18) played with composure. They didn’t allow Sri Lanka’s spinners to settle, rotating strike effectively. Even when Chameera struck twice in quick succession, Zimbabwe never looked rattled.

The Finishing Touch

With just a handful of runs left, Ryan Burl and Johnathan Musekiwa ensured no late drama. Musekiwa finished the match with a boundary in the 14th over, sparking wild celebrations in Harare.

Zimbabwe won by five wickets, leveling the series 1–1.

Key Performers and Tactical Insights

Sikandar Raza: The Captain Marvel

Raza’s spell of 3/11 in 4 overs was the game-changer. His tactical decision to bring himself on early broke Sri Lanka’s middle order. Beyond the numbers, his leadership inspired confidence. His energy in the field and calm communication with bowlers showed why he is the heartbeat of Zimbabwe cricket.

Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani

Evans (3/15) and Muzarabani (2/14) combined pace, bounce, and accuracy to torment Sri Lanka’s batters. Both exploited Harare’s conditions perfectly—back-of-length deliveries that climbed awkwardly, yorkers at the death, and relentless pressure.

Dushmantha Chameera’s Lone Fight

For Sri Lanka, Chameera was the only silver lining. His pace and aggression yielded 3 wickets, briefly raising hopes of a miraculous defense. But with just 80 to defend, his heroics were never enough.

Broader Implications

For Zimbabwe

This win was more than just a series-leveling effort. It was symbolic of Zimbabwe’s resurgence. After years of struggle—financial turmoil, administrative issues, and a decline in rankings—such victories instill belief. It also boosted their confidence ahead of T20 World Cup qualifiers, proving they can compete with established nations.

For Sri Lanka

The loss exposed fragile batting. Over-reliance on the top order and lack of adaptability to seaming conditions are worrying signs. With the Asia Cup and World Cup looming, selectors and coaches will need to rethink strategies. The absence of Hasaranga highlighted their dependency on star all-rounders.

The Decider Awaits

The third and final T20I, scheduled for 7 September 2025, now carried immense significance. A win for Zimbabwe would mark a historic series victory; for Sri Lanka, it was about redemption and avoiding embarrassment.

Key questions ahead of the decider:

• Can Sri Lanka’s batters rediscover form?

• Will Zimbabwe’s bowlers replicate their brilliance?

• Can Asalanka inspire a turnaround, or will Raza complete the upset?

Conclusion

The second T20I between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be remembered as a classic example of T20 unpredictability. Sri Lanka, with all their experience, crumbled under pressure, while Zimbabwe, galvanized by Raza’s brilliance, rose to the occasion.

For fans, it was a spectacle: the roar of the Harare crowd, the sight of Zimbabwean players embracing in celebration, and the stunned silence of Sri Lankan supporters. Cricket had once again delivered drama, emotion, and a reminder—on any given day, in T20 cricket, giants can fall, and underdogs can soar.