Sri Lanka, led by Pathum Nissanka’s composed half-century and late contributions from Pavan Rathnayake, scored 178/7 in their Group B match against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s openers Nissanka and Kusal Perera made an aggressive start, with Perera scoring 22 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani.
Nissanka played a crucial role, reaching a fluent half-century off 34 deliveries and scoring 62 off 41 balls with eight fours. Despite Zimbabwe’s spinners, especially Ryan Burl and Graeme Cremer, making a comeback in the middle overs, Sri Lanka remained on track for a big total.
Pavan Rathnayake’s quick 44 off 25 balls, including two sixes and three fours, provided a late surge for Sri Lanka. However, Zimbabwe’s seamers struck back in the death overs, restricting Sri Lanka to 178/7 with key wickets. Dunith Wellalage’s unbeaten 15 off eight balls in the final over helped Sri Lanka finish strongly.
