On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM local time, Sri Lanka didn’t just beat Zimbabwe — they dismantled them. Chasing 147 in the 5th T20I of the Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe Tri-nation T20I Series 2025/26Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka reached the target in just 16.2 overs, losing only one wicket. The man behind the demolition? Pathum Nissanka, who carved out a blistering 98 not out off 58 balls — 11 fours, 4 sixes, strike rate 168.97 — in what might go down as the most controlled aggression seen in a T20 chase this year. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and batted first, scraped together 146 for 5, but it was never enough. Not against this Sri Lankan side, not on this pitch, not with Nissanka in full flow.
How Zimbabwe’s Innings Crumbled
Zimbabwe’s top order offered little resistance. The first wicket fell at just 5 runs. By the time they reached 53, they’d lost three. Only their captain and Ryan Burl, both scoring 37, kept them above water. The rest? Fragile. Tadiwanashe Marumani was bowled for 4 in three balls. Brian Bennett fell hit-wicket to Wanindu Hasaranga — the spinner who would go on to claim 4 for 46 in 8 overs. Zimbabwe’s middle order simply didn’t fire. Even their final 10 overs, where Burl and the captain stitched together 50 runs, couldn’t mask the lack of depth. The average second innings total at Rawalpindi? 140. Zimbabwe scraped 146 — barely above par.And yet, the real story wasn’t Zimbabwe’s failure. It was Sri Lanka’s clinical precision.
Sri Lanka’s Spin Surge
The Rawalpindi pitch, despite its reputation for pace — 75 of the last 100 wickets here went to fast bowlers — bent to Sri Lanka’s spinners like a sapling in a breeze. Hasaranga didn’t just take wickets; he suffocated. His eight-over spell was a masterclass in control, variation, and timing. He dismissed three batters with his leg-spin, one with a quicker one that skidded through. Maheesh Theekshana added the fourth wicket, bowling Marumani with a doosra that dipped and turned. The fifth? A rare but devastating over from the captain, Dasun Shanaka, who clean-bowled the dangerous Sean Williams with a knuckle ball that stayed low.It was the kind of bowling performance that turns a modest total into a death sentence. Zimbabwe’s run rate of 7.30 looked respectable — until you saw how Sri Lanka answered.
Nissanka’s Masterclass
From the first over, Nissanka was in charge. He didn’t just hit boundaries — he chose them. A pull off a short ball for six. A cut past point for four. A sweep over midwicket for another. He never panicked. Even when Kamil Mishara fell for 12, caught at deep square leg, Nissanka didn’t flinch. He took over. The required rate was 7.35. He was scoring at 170. By the 14th over, the game was over. He reached his 50 in 29 balls. His 90 in 52. The crowd, mostly Sri Lankan expats and neutral fans drawn by the spectacle, rose as he brought up his 98 — not out, not needing to go full throttle. He knew. The match was won.His partner, Charith Asalanka (25*), played the perfect foil — rotating strike, absorbing pressure, letting Nissanka do the damage. No drama. No panic. Just execution.
What This Means for the Series
Sri Lanka now sit at the top of the table — though official standings were still being updated at time of reporting. Their win over Zimbabwe follows a dramatic 193/2 chase in the 2nd T20I, where they’d also crushed Zimbabwe by 8 wickets. That’s two wins in two games against Zimbabwe in this series. The head-to-head record? Sri Lanka has won 7 of the last 10 meetings. This wasn’t luck. It’s dominance.But the real test is coming. Pakistan, the hosts, are still in the mix. They’ve played two matches so far — one against Zimbabwe, one against Sri Lanka. Their next game, against Sri Lanka on November 28, will be pivotal. If Sri Lanka wins again, they’ll likely seal a final spot. If they lose? The pressure shifts. The Rawalpindi pitch, known for offering early swing and later turn, will be the stage. And Nissanka? He’s now the man every team will target.
Behind the Scenes: Umpiring and Logistics
The match was officiated by Pakistani umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, with Ahsan Raza as TV umpire. Reon King of West Indies, the match referee, had a quiet evening — no controversies, no reviews overturned. Just clean cricket. The tournament, marketed as the “KFC Prevent Votel Mobile Tri Nation Series 2025,” drew solid crowds despite the weekday timing. That’s a win for the PCB, who’ve managed to keep the event visible without the usual fanfare of a full international window.What’s Next?
The next match — Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan — is set for November 28 at the same venue. Pakistan, who lost their opening game to Zimbabwe, will be desperate. Sri Lanka, riding a wave of momentum, will look to confirm their final berth. And if Nissanka keeps batting like this? He might just carry Sri Lanka to the final on his own.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pathum Nissanka’s 98* compare to other T20 chase performances in Pakistan?
Nissanka’s 98* off 58 balls is the third-highest individual score in a successful T20 chase at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Only Mohammad Rizwan’s 101* against England in 2022 and Babar Azam’s 103* against India in 2023 were higher. His strike rate of 168.97 is among the top five for any T20 chase over 90 runs in Pakistan since 2020. What makes it remarkable is the pressure — Zimbabwe had just posted a competitive total, and Sri Lanka needed to win to stay ahead in the series.
Why did Zimbabwe’s top order fail so badly?
Zimbabwe’s top three batters averaged just 12.3 runs across their last five T20Is against top-eight nations. Against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack — particularly Hasaranga’s leg-spin and Theekshana’s variations — they lacked the footwork and patience to handle low, turning deliveries. Their opening pair, Blessing Muzarabani and Sean Williams, have struggled in subcontinental conditions for over a year. Without consistent support from the middle order, their total was always vulnerable.
What’s the significance of Sri Lanka’s spin attack in this series?
Sri Lanka’s spinners have taken 13 of the 19 wickets in the two matches they’ve played so far. Hasaranga and Theekshana have combined for 9 wickets at an economy of 5.8. This is a marked shift from their 2024 campaigns, where pace was prioritized. Against Pakistan’s batting-heavy lineup in the upcoming match, their spin strategy could be decisive — especially if the pitch retains moisture, as forecasted.
Who are the likely finalists in this tri-series?
Sri Lanka is now the favorite to finish top of the table. With two wins and a superior net run rate, they need only one more win to guarantee a final spot. Pakistan, despite being hosts, are under pressure after losing to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s chances are slim — they’d need to beat Pakistan and hope Sri Lanka loses both remaining games. That’s a long shot. The final is likely to be Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan, setting up a high-stakes clash on December 1.
How does this result affect Sri Lanka’s World T20 preparation?
This performance is a major confidence boost ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Nissanka’s form, Hasaranga’s control, and the team’s ability to chase under pressure mirror the blueprint of past champions. Sri Lanka’s last T20 World Cup win came in 2014 — they’ve been rebuilding since. This series is the clearest sign yet they’re back in contention, especially with their spinners firing and batters delivering in crunch moments.
What’s the historical context of Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe in T20Is?
Sri Lanka has won 7 of the last 10 T20Is against Zimbabwe, including a 193/2 chase in this same series just days ago. Zimbabwe’s only wins came in 2022 and 2023, both on home soil. In neutral venues like Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka has dominated — winning 10 of their last 12 encounters. Zimbabwe’s T20I record against top-eight teams remains poor, with just 14 wins in 56 matches since 2020. This isn’t just a series win — it’s a continuation of a pattern.