Sri Lanka's Asia Cup opener is on September 13.
After an embarrassing 80 all out against Zimbabwe in the second T20I, Sri Lanka bounced back today in Harare to clinch the series 2-1. This will boost Charith Asalanka & Co. ahead of the all-important Asia Cup 2025. However, despite a win today, Sri Lanka are going through shades of grey in the white-ball format. They would look to take the positives from this game before the big event starts on September 13 for Sri Lanka.
After winning the toss and deciding to field first, the Lankans had a tough time controlling the hosts. The wickets were picked regularly, with the first one falling down as early as the third over. But the other opener, Tadiwanashe Marumani, went on to complete his half-century. Quickfire 20s from Sean Williams, skipper Sikandar Raza, and Ryan Burl helped Zimbabwe put up 191/8. Dushan Hemantha scalped three wickets while Dushmantha Chameera took two. All bowlers were expensive, barring the Lankan skipper, who went wicketless.
But, in the second innings, the batting line-up played with fire and punished the bowlers. Red-hot 30+ knocks from openers Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (30) set the stage for a win. Kamil Mishara was the most impressive with a whopping 73 not out off 43, including six boundaries and three sixes. Kusal Perera (46 not out) narrowly missed his half-century, but he contributed well with four fours and a couple of maximums.
Sri Lanka completed the target in 17.4 overs with six wickets in hand.
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The T20 champions from 2022 edition find themselves in Group B of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. The other teams in this group are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
The year started on a losing note for Sri Lanka, as they lost the T20I series on New Zealand soil in January. Then, they also lost the home T20I series against Bangladesh in July.
But this win against Zimbabwe may boost their morale before they face Bangladesh on September 13. The Hong Kong fixture is two days later, followed by the match against Afghanistan on September 18.
If Sri Lanka finishes in the top two spots of the Group stage, they will enter the Super Fours, which will eventually lead to the summit clash.
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