Right then, Sri Lanka have edged in a pulsating contest to go 1-0 up in the series, leaving Zimbabwe heartbroken yet again. The second T20I will be played on Saturday, 6th September, with the action starting at 11.30 am GMT. Sri Lanka will aim to seal the series, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back and keep it alive. Do join us an hour early for all the pre-match buildup and insights. Until then, take care! CIAO!

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that he is really happy with the performance. Adds that they were under pressure when the wickets kept falling and credits Zimbabwe bowlers. Mentions that Kamindu Mendis batted exceptionally well, and it is always good to see Kusal Mendis score runs, as he is crucial for them. Says that they were unfortunate in missing Dushmantha Chameera last year, but he is their X-factor.

Kamindu Mendis is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning knock of 41 runs off just 16 balls. He says that after Sri Lanka lost a few quick wickets in the middle, he knew he had to take responsibility and be ready to finish the game, and he’s glad he managed to do it. Mentions that in that situation, boundaries were crucial, so he focused on staying calm and expressing himself in the middle. Adds that it was a really good surface to bat on, Zimbabwe played very well, and Sri Lanka too put up a strong batting effort to get over the line.

The skipper of Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, says that they were in the game for about 19 overs, and it was just one over that went over 20 runs that changed the game. Adds that one of the new boys found it tough, but these things happen in cricket, and the youngsters need to have this experience to improve in the future. Mentions that he knew that the second innings could be a bit tricky, as they saw in the ODIs, but praises Kamindu Mendis for the way he batted. Says that they have not often found themselves in a winning position, but they have now for three games, and it is just about getting over the line, and once they do that, they will know how it feels and will close out games on a consistent basis.

Time for the Post-Match Presentations...

Earlier in the match, Charith Asalanka won the toss and invited Zimbabwe to bat first, where Zimbabwe posted a good total of 175/7. Brian Bennett stole the show with a superb 81 off 57 balls, anchoring the innings. Sikandar Raza too chipped in with a handy 28, but regular wickets in the back end prevented Zimbabwe from pushing beyond 190. Sri Lanka’s bowlers did well in patches - Chameera’s 3 for 30 was the highlight, while debutant Dushan Hemantha and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with one apiece. The last three overs, led by Chameera’s yorkers, saved Sri Lanka around 15 runs, which proved vital in the end.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers deserved credit for their fightback. Richard Ngarava was the standout with an economical 2 for 19, while Sikandar Raza and Brad Evans chipped in as well. Blessing Muzarabani, though expensive, provided a key breakthrough too. For a brief phase, Zimbabwe had Sri Lanka under pressure, especially with the wickets of Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka falling cheaply. But their inability to close out the game hurt them badly, just like in the ODI series, particularly in the death overs, where Kamindu’s calculated assault turned the tables.

The chase began with purpose as openers Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took Sri Lanka to 65/0 at the end of the Powerplay, Pathum leading the charge with clean hitting. Nissanka went on to notch up 55 from 32 balls, while Kusal Mendis anchored at the other end with 38. They brought up 96 runs without loss in 10 overs, putting Sri Lanka way ahead of the game. But once Nissanka fell to Tinotenda Maposa, Zimbabwe clawed back into the contest. Richard Ngarava struck twice in one over, dismissing both Kusals, while skipper Sikandar Raza chipped in with a key wicket of his counterpart. Suddenly, Sri Lanka slipped from a position of dominance of 96/0 to 125/5, and the match tilted.

What a thriller we witnessed in Harare! Sri Lanka have pulled off a nail-biting 4-wicket win with 5 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. Chasing 176, they looked in full control early with Pathum Nissanka’s sparkling fifty, only to stumble in the middle overs as Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought back. But when it mattered most, Kamindu Mendis rose to the occasion with a breathtaking unbeaten 41 off just 16 balls, turning the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will rue the costly 18th over that went for 26 runs and ultimately sealed their fate. This match was fully worth the money, and the fans must have enjoyed every bit of it.

With 3 needed off the last 6 balls, Sri Lanka are in the driver's seat. Can Zimbabwe pull off a miracle, as we have seen many times in cricket? Also, the Zimbabweans have suffered a penalty for slow over rate and have to put an extra fielder inside the circle.

Sri Lanka need just 8 now off the last two overs, and the last over was too expensive for Zimbabwe, which went for 26 runs. Also, Richard Ngarava will bowl the penultimate over.