Pathum Nissanka,Sri Lanka’s highest T20I run score overtakes Kusal Perera

Pathum Nissanka With a game-winning performance that helped his side defeat Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Pathum Nissanka overtook Kusal Perera to become Sri Lanka’s best T20I run scorer and maintain their chances of winning the tri-series.

With nine wickets remaining, Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 147 runs in only 16.2 overs thanks to his scorching 98 off 58 balls.

With 18 fifties and a hundred under his credit, Nissanka has amassed 2326 runs at an average of 32.30 and a strike rate of 126.89 in 77 Twenty20 International matches. He overtook Perera, who now has 2,305 runs from 91 Twenty20 Internationals.

With this victory, Sri Lanka ended a five-match T20I losing run and won their first game of the tri-series. With a victory, Sri Lanka will advance to the tri-series final and face Pakistan in an exciting showdown on Thursday.

Prior to the game, Zimbabwe chose to bat after winning the toss. With two wickets each from Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, as well as one from Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lankan bowlers held Zimbabwe’s batsmen to 146-5.

Brian Bennett (34) produced a critical innings in the top order, while Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (37) and Ryan Burl (37) formed an important partnership at the back end.

Sri Lanka quickly reached 60 runs during the power play in response. After battling in the middle, Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Kamil Mishara, who scored 12 runs off 15 balls, perished in the last power-play. With 22 deliveries remaining in the match, Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (25* off 25) completed an unbroken 89-run partnership, guaranteeing stability.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 148/1 (Pathum Nissanka 98*, Kusal Mendis 25; Brad Evans 1/36), Zimbabwe 146/5 (Ryan Burl 37*, Sikandar Raza 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23).