Mathews fails to defend 20 in final over as Zimbabwe seal series levelling win

Listen to Story Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande took Angelo Mathews to the cleaners in the final over as Zimbabwe gunned down the 174 run target in a last over thriller to level the T20I series 1 1 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. In pursuit of a target of 174 for victory on a highly favorable batting pitch, Zimbabwe faced an early setback with the loss of Tinashe Kamunhukamwe.

However, the partnership between Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett proved pivotal as they contributed 74 runs for the second wicket, laying a strong foundation for the chase. JONGWE! JONGWE! JONGWE! Zimbabwe keep the wries alive!!! — Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) Although Bennett departed after scoring 25, Ervine continued his impressive performance, reaching a solid 70.

In the latter stages of the innings, Luke Jongwe (25 off 12) and Clive Madande (15 off 5) played brisk, impactful cameos, ultimately sealing the victory with flair. Zimbabwe secured a win by 4 wickets, leveling the series with one game remaining. The Lankan bowlers were good in patches and kept the pressure by picking regular wickets and keeping the run rate in check.

Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera were the standouts with two wickets each, while Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga accounted for one apiece. Zimbabwe needed 20 runs in the final over when the ball was thrown to Angelo Mathews, and he failed to defend the total. Sri Lanka will be ruining plenty of missed opportunities and will hope to come back strongly in the next match.

Earlier today, Sri Lanka were asked to bat first and the home side posted an excellent score of 173 on the back of a fine 69 from Charith Asalanka and a steady 66* from Angelo Mathews after the hosts were reduced to 27 for 4. The duo made a brilliant recovery and added 118 for the 5th wicket to take their side out of early trouble.

The Lankans ended the innings with a flourish. Blessing Muzarabani and Luke Jongwe took two each for Zimbabwe but were on the expensive side. Zimbabwe have done the unthinkable and taken the series into a decider..