Zimbabwe Steal Thrilling Victory in Last-Over Finish to Level Series Against Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of their three-match series, leveling the score going into the decider on Thursday. The match featured a dramatic final over, a career-best knock from Craig Ervine, and a late blitz from Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande that left the Sri Lankan crowd stunned.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 173-6 thanks to a 118-run partnership between Charith Asalanka (69) and Angelo Mathews (66). Asalanka’s fifth half-century in T20Is and Mathews’s sixth were the backbone of Sri Lanka’s innings, particularly after a shaky start that saw them lose four wickets for just 27 runs.
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a decent start with Ervine leading the charge. His career-best 70, laced with six boundaries and two sixes, helped build a solid platform alongside Brian Bennet (25). However, the asking rate remained high, and regular wickets at the other end kept Sri Lanka in the game.
With 20 runs needed off the final over, the tension was palpable. Angelo Mathews took the ball, but Jongwe and Madande had other plans. They smashed three sixes, one of which was a no-ball, and a boundary to turn the tide in Zimbabwe’s favor. Theekshana even dropped a skier from Jongwe off the fourth ball, adding to the drama.
In the end, Madande sent a Mathews delivery soaring over deep mid-wicket for the winning six, with Jongwe remaining unbeaten on 25 off 12 deliveries and Madande contributing 15 off 5 balls. The dramatic turnaround left the Sri Lankan fans in disbelief, while Zimbabwe celebrated their remarkable comeback.
Blessing Muzarabani (2-36) and Luke Jongwe (2-32) were the standout bowlers for Zimbabwe, while Theekshana (2-30) and Dushmantha Chameera (2-26) picked up wickets for Sri Lanka.
With the series tied 1-1, all eyes turn to the final match on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to claim victory and take the series trophy. The contest promises to be another nail-biter, with the momentum firmly in Zimbabwe’s hands after their last-gasp win.
