Introduction
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 was a thrilling spectacle at Harare Sports Club on September 7, 2025, where Sri Lanka showcased their batting prowess to clinch a commanding 8-wicket victory and secure the series 2-1. After a disheartening collapse for 80 in the second T20I, Sri Lanka bounced back with a clinical chase of Zimbabwe’s 191/8, led by Kamil Mishara’s sensational unbeaten 73 and a match-defining 117-run partnership with Kusal Perera. This victory not only sealed the series but also boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence ahead of the Asia Cup. For Zimbabwe, Tadiwanashe Marumani’s gritty 51 and a spirited team effort weren’t enough to defend their total against a rampant Sri Lankan side.
This article dives deep into the match, offering a detailed recap, key highlights, player performances, and tactical insights, all optimized for cricket fans visiting IPL Star. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual reader, relive the excitement of this high-octane clash through vivid storytelling, comprehensive stats, and expert analysis.
Match Overview
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 was the decider in a tightly contested series, with both teams level at 1-1. Played on a batter-friendly pitch at Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid dividends thanks to their disciplined death bowling. Zimbabwe posted a competitive 191/8, driven by Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51 and contributions from Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and others. However, Sri Lanka’s batters, led by Kamil Mishara’s maiden T20I fifty (73*), made light work of the chase, finishing at 193/2 in just 17.4 overs.
The match showcased Sri Lanka’s ability to recover from their second T20I debacle, where they were bowled out for 80. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis set a blazing platform, while Mishara and Kusal Perera’s unbroken 117-run stand ensured a smooth victory. For Zimbabwe, despite their batting depth, bowling indiscipline and fielding lapses proved costly. This win marked Sri Lanka’s second T20I series triumph in Zimbabwe and a crucial step in their Asia Cup preparations.
Zimbabwe’s Innings: A Spirited Effort Falls Short
Zimbabwe’s batting effort in the 3rd T20I was a display of aggression and resilience, culminating in a formidable 191/8. Opting to bat first, they started explosively, with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett racing to 26 in just 2.3 overs. Bennett (13 off 8) fell early to Dushmantha Chameera, but Marumani found a dynamic partner in Sean Williams, who smashed 23 off 11 balls, including five boundaries. The powerplay ended at 58/1, setting a strong foundation.
Marumani, riding his luck, anchored the innings with a 44-ball 51, featuring six fours and a six. His 56-run stand with captain Sikandar Raza (28 off 18) kept Zimbabwe’s momentum going, reaching 100 in 10.2 overs. Raza’s aggressive intent, including a massive six off Dushan Hemantha, was cut short by a reverse-sweep dismissal. Marumani’s fifty came off 40 balls, but he was stumped in the 15th over, ending his resilient knock.
Zimbabwe’s middle order ensured the scoring rate didn’t dip. Ryan Burl (26 off 15), Tashinga Musekiwa (18 off 11), and Tony Munyonga (13* off 9) contributed quick cameos, with five of the top seven batters striking at 150 or above. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Hemantha (3/38), Chameera (2/33), and Matheesha Pathirana (1/40), tightened the screws in the death overs. The final five overs yielded just 38 runs for four wickets, with Pathirana’s economical last over (6 runs, 2 wickets) and a run-out preventing Zimbabwe from breaching 200.
Sri Lanka’s fielding was sloppy at times, with dropped catches and misfields, but their bowling discipline ensured Zimbabwe’s total remained chaseable. The innings was a quintessential team effort, but the lack of a big finish proved decisive.
Zimbabwe Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | 13 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 162.50 |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 51 | 44 | 6 | 1 | 115.91 |
| Sean Williams | 23 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 209.09 |
| Sikandar Raza (c) | 28 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 155.56 |
| Ryan Burl | 26 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 173.33 |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | 18 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 163.64 |
| Tony Munyonga | 13* | 9 | 2 | 0 | 144.44 |
| Brad Evans | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Tinotenda Maposa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Richard Ngarava | 4* | 1 | 1 | 0 | 400.00 |
| Extras | 12 | (b 0, lb 4, w 7, nb 1) | |||
| Total | 191/8 | 20 overs | 9.55 RR |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Bennett | 26-1 | 2.3 |
| Williams | 65-2 | 6.5 |
| Raza | 121-3 | 12.5 |
| Marumani | 134-4 | 14.3 |
| Musekiwa | 161-5 | 17.1 |
| Burl | 175-6 | 18.1 |
| Evans | 185-7 | 19.1 |
| Maposa | 187-8 | 19.5 |
Key Partnerships
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 26 | 15 | Bennett-Marumani |
| 2nd | 39 | 26 | Williams-Marumani |
| 3rd | 56 | 36 | Raza-Marumani |
| 4th | 13 | 10 | Burl-Marumani |
| 5th | 27 | 16 | Burl-Musekiwa |
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Mishara’s Masterclass Seals the Deal
Chasing 192 on a batter-friendly surface, Sri Lanka delivered a batting masterclass, reaching 193/2 in just 17.4 overs. The chase began with a blistering powerplay, as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis smashed 67/1 in six overs. Nissanka (33 off 20) took a liking to Richard Ngarava, hitting two boundaries in the first over and a six in the third. Mendis (30 off 17) joined the onslaught, hammering 18 runs off Blessing Muzarabani’s fifth over. Their 58-run stand in 5.2 overs set the tone.
Zimbabwe briefly fought back, with Brad Evans dismissing Mendis and Sikandar Raza bowling Nissanka in the eighth over, reducing Sri Lanka to 76/2. However, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera, recalled for this match, forged an unbeaten 117-run partnership off 63 balls to seal the chase. Mishara’s maiden T20I fifty (73* off 43, 6 fours, 2 sixes) was a revelation. His lofted six down the ground off Raza signaled his intent, while his ability to rotate strike and pick boundaries kept the required rate in check.
Perera (46* off 26, 4 fours, 2 sixes), finding form after a lean patch, complemented Mishara perfectly. The duo smartly exploited lopsided boundaries, mixing singles and twos with timely boundaries. Sri Lanka reached 100 in 9.5 overs and 150 in 14.2 overs, with Mishara’s fifty coming off 33 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled for discipline, conceding 11 extras and failing to maintain pressure. Ngarava (0/42) and Muzarabani (0/43) were expensive, while Raza (1/29) and Evans (1/28) were the only wicket-takers.
The chase was completed in 17.4 overs, with 14 balls to spare, underlining Sri Lanka’s dominance. Mishara’s composure and Perera’s resurgence made the 192-run target look pedestrian, securing the series and silencing the Harare crowd.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 33 | 20 | 4 | 1 | 165.00 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 30 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 176.47 |
| Kamil Mishara | 73* | 43 | 6 | 2 | 169.77 |
| Kusal Perera | 46* | 26 | 4 | 2 | 176.92 |
| Extras | 11 | (b 0, lb 2, w 9, nb 0) | |||
| Total | 193/2 | 17.4 overs | 10.92 RR |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Mendis | 58-1 | 5.2 |
| Nissanka | 76-2 | 7.1 |
Key Partnerships
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 58 | 32 | Nissanka-Mendis |
| 2nd | 18 | 11 | Nissanka-Mishara |
| 3rd | 117 | 63 | Mishara-Perera |
Key Highlights and Turning Points
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 was packed with pivotal moments that shaped the outcome:
- Sri Lanka’s Powerplay Dominance: Scoring 67/1 in six overs, with Nissanka and Mendis smashing 58 runs in 5.2 overs, gave Sri Lanka a head start in the chase.
- Mishara’s Lofted Six: Kamil Mishara’s stunning six down the ground off Raza in the middle overs signaled his aggressive intent and shifted momentum.
- Hemantha’s Triple Strike: Dushan Hemantha’s 3/38, including the wickets of Williams, Raza, and Marumani, disrupted Zimbabwe’s middle order.
- Death Bowling Masterclass: Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Chameera and Pathirana, conceded just 38 runs in the last five overs, preventing Zimbabwe from posting 200+.
- Mishara-Perera Partnership: The unbroken 117-run stand off 63 balls between Mishara and Perera ensured Sri Lanka cruised to victory with ease.
- Zimbabwe’s Bowling Struggles: Conceding 11 extras and failing to maintain discipline, Zimbabwe’s bowlers couldn’t challenge Sri Lanka’s batters post-powerplay.
Player Performances and Standouts
Kamil Mishara: The Rising Star
Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 73 off 43 balls was the standout performance, earning him the Player of the Match award. His maiden T20I fifty showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate, making him a key prospect for Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign. Mishara’s journey from domestic cricket to T20I stardom, after brief appearances in 2022, highlights his growth as a batter full of intent and aggression.
Kusal Perera’s Resurgence
Dropped for the second T20I, Kusal Perera returned with a fluent 46* off 26 balls. His partnership with Mishara was a masterclass in T20 batting, offering Sri Lanka a reliable middle-order option.
Tadiwanashe Marumani’s Gritty Fifty
Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51 off 44 balls anchored Zimbabwe’s innings. Despite surviving close calls, his fourth T20I fifty kept Zimbabwe competitive, supported by aggressive cameos from his teammates.
Dushan Hemantha’s Bowling Heroics
Hemantha’s 3/38, including the scalps of Williams, Raza, and Marumani, was pivotal in curbing Zimbabwe’s momentum. His variations and composure under pressure were standout features.
Chameera and Pathirana’s Death Bowling
Dushmantha Chameera (2/33) and Matheesha Pathirana (1/40) excelled in the death overs, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t capitalize on their strong start. Pathirana’s final over, conceding just six runs, was a game-changer.
Tactical Analysis: What Worked and What Didn’t
Sri Lanka’s Winning Formula
Sri Lanka’s success hinged on three key factors:
- Aggressive Powerplay: Scoring 67/1 in six overs set the tone, with Nissanka and Mendis exploiting loose bowling.
- Middle-Over Consolidation: Mishara and Perera’s smart rotation of strike and boundary-hitting kept the required rate manageable.
- Death Bowling Discipline: Conceding just 38 runs in the last five overs, with four wickets, prevented Zimbabwe from posting an imposing total.
Zimbabwe’s Shortcomings
Zimbabwe’s batting showed depth, with five players striking at 150+, but their bowling let them down:
- Lack of Discipline: Conceding 11 extras and bowling too many loose deliveries (e.g., Ngarava’s 0/42) handed Sri Lanka easy runs.
- Failure to Defend 191: Despite a strong total, Zimbabwe couldn’t apply pressure post-powerplay, allowing Mishara and Perera to dominate.
- Fielding Lapses: Missed opportunities in the field further weakened their position.
The toss favored Sri Lanka, as the pitch remained consistent, but their tactical execution in both batting and bowling was superior.
Post-Match Reactions and Implications
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza praised his team’s batting effort, stating, “191 was a fantastic total, but Sri Lanka batted exceptionally well. We need to tighten our bowling discipline.” Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain Charith Asalanka hailed Mishara’s maturity, saying, “Kamil’s knock was special, and this win gives us momentum for the Asia Cup.”
The victory bolsters Sri Lanka’s confidence as they prepare for the Asia Cup, with Mishara emerging as a key middle-order batter. For Zimbabwe, the series loss highlights the need for improved bowling and fielding, but their batting depth offers hope for future contests.
Match Statistics
Match Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I |
| Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Toss | Sri Lanka, elected to bowl |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Kamil Mishara (73*) |
| Umpires | Iknow Chabi, Forster Mutizwa |
| 3rd Umpire | Percival Sizara |
| Referee | Jeff Crowe |
Zimbabwe Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Ngarava | 3.4 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 11.50 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 3 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 14.30 |
| Brad Evans | 3 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 9.30 |
| Tinotenda Maposa | 2 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 13.00 |
| Sikandar Raza | 4 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 7.20 |
| Sean Williams | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Brian Bennett | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13.00 |
Sri Lanka Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matheesha Pathirana | 4 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 10.00 |
| Binura Fernando | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 12.00 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 33 | 2 | 8.20 |
| Charith Asalanka | 3 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 6.30 |
| Dushan Hemantha | 4 | 0 | 38 | 3 | 9.50 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9.00 |
Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Triumph Sets the Stage for Asia Cup
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 was a showcase of Sri Lanka’s batting depth and resilience, as they overcame a challenging 191/8 to clinch the series 2-1 with an 8-wicket victory. Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 73 and his 117-run stand with Kusal Perera were the highlights, signaling a bright future for Sri Lanka’s middle order. Zimbabwe’s spirited batting, led by Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51, offered positives, but their bowling frailties proved costly.
This win sets Sri Lanka up perfectly for the Asia Cup, with their top order firing and bowlers delivering under pressure. For IPL Star readers, this match underscores the excitement of T20 cricket and the emergence of new talents like Mishara. Share your thoughts on Mishara’s performance in the comments below, and check out our Asia Cup 2025 preview for more insights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025
1. Who won the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I in 2025?
Sri Lanka won the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 by 8 wickets on September 7, 2025, at Harare Sports Club, clinching the series 2-1.
2. What was the final score of the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe scored 191/8 in 20 overs, while Sri Lanka chased 193/2 in 17.4 overs, securing an 8-wicket victory in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
3. Who was the Player of the Match in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025?
Kamil Mishara was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an 8-wicket victory in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
4. What was Kamil Mishara’s score in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025?
Kamil Mishara scored an unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025, marking his maiden T20I fifty.
5. Who scored the most runs for Zimbabwe in the 3rd T20I 2025?
Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 51 off 44 balls, the highest for Zimbabwe, in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025, anchoring their total of 191/8.
6. Who took the most wickets for Sri Lanka in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025?
Dushan Hemantha took 3 wickets for 38 runs, dismissing key Zimbabwe batters in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
7. How did Sri Lanka chase 192 in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025?
Sri Lanka chased 192 in 17.4 overs, led by Kamil Mishara’s 73* and a 117-run partnership with Kusal Perera (46*), securing an 8-wicket victory in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
8. What was the key partnership in Sri Lanka’s chase in the 3rd T20I 2025?
The unbeaten 117-run stand between Kamil Mishara (73*) and Kusal Perera (46*) off 63 balls was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s 8-wicket victory in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
9. How did Zimbabwe perform in their batting innings in the 3rd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe posted 191/8, with Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51 and contributions from Sikandar Raza (28) and Ryan Burl (26) in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025.
10. How does the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 impact Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup preparations?
The Sri Lanka 8-wicket victory in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2025 boosted their confidence, with Kamil Mishara’s emergence strengthening their middle order for the Asia Cup.