148/1 (16.2)
CR : 9.06
146/5 (20.0)
CR : 7.30
Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
P Nissanka
98(58)
Brad Evans gets a token of appreciation.
Bowler of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana
Power Hitter of the Match: Kusal Mendis for his 97m long six
All-rounder of the match: Sikandar Raza
Electrifying batter of the match: Pathum Nissanka
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: PATHUM NISSANKA
Pathum Nissanka (Player of the Match): "My plan today was to make the most of the powerplay because that’s where we struggled earlier, and once I got through that phase, I tried to carry on with the same intent.
I had been making a few mistakes in the previous games, so I took some time to analyse them, correct them, and I’m glad it clicked today.
Playing all three formats is never easy, but I try to adapt my mindset depending on what’s needed. Even in practice sessions, I train differently for each format, and that really helps me handle the workload. I’m happy with how the training is shaping my game.
And about the sixes, if I had to pick a favourite, I’d say the scoop six… that one felt nice."
I had been making a few mistakes in the previous games, so I took some time to analyse them, correct them, and I’m glad it clicked today.
Playing all three formats is never easy, but I try to adapt my mindset depending on what’s needed. Even in practice sessions, I train differently for each format, and that really helps me handle the workload. I’m happy with how the training is shaping my game.
And about the sixes, if I had to pick a favourite, I’d say the scoop six… that one felt nice."
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe Captain): "Bazid bhai, I think we were slightly short. Over numbers 18 and 19 from Malinga and Chameera were excellent. Having said that, even if we had got 20-30 more runs, it wouldn't have mattered tonight.
In this part of the world, you need to be on top of your game in the powerplay. It is easy to bat in the powerplay. The ball comes to the bat nicely during that phase. We didn't bowl well with the new ball. We were either too short or too full. We didn't allow the ball to swing. There was a variable bounce too, but once you bowl too full or too short, it's easy for batting.
No, we are supporting Pakistan with the Zimbabwe shirt. We haven't been in a position where we had to rely on others to qualify, so it's a good place to be. Hoping for Pakistan's win. Knowing this squad, we are all supporting Pakistan in that game against Sri Lanka. Hopefully, Pakistan will do us a favour."
In this part of the world, you need to be on top of your game in the powerplay. It is easy to bat in the powerplay. The ball comes to the bat nicely during that phase. We didn't bowl well with the new ball. We were either too short or too full. We didn't allow the ball to swing. There was a variable bounce too, but once you bowl too full or too short, it's easy for batting.
No, we are supporting Pakistan with the Zimbabwe shirt. We haven't been in a position where we had to rely on others to qualify, so it's a good place to be. Hoping for Pakistan's win. Knowing this squad, we are all supporting Pakistan in that game against Sri Lanka. Hopefully, Pakistan will do us a favour."
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka Skipper): "I felt really good with the new ball today. The confidence was there from the start, and the plan was simple - attack the stumps and keep it straight. Maheesh bowled beautifully as well, and as a unit, we were excellent in the Powerplay. I’m happy to be back among the wickets.
When it comes to the boxes we want to tick, there’s still room to improve, especially in our bowling. Even from my side, there are key areas we need to keep polishing. With Pakistan up next, a team in strong form, we know we have to be even better.
And yes, the cold has been something new for us, as we’re not used to playing in weather like this. But we’re trying to adjust quickly. At the end of the day, no matter how cold it gets, we need to perform and keep winning."
When it comes to the boxes we want to tick, there’s still room to improve, especially in our bowling. Even from my side, there are key areas we need to keep polishing. With Pakistan up next, a team in strong form, we know we have to be even better.
And yes, the cold has been something new for us, as we’re not used to playing in weather like this. But we’re trying to adjust quickly. At the end of the day, no matter how cold it gets, we need to perform and keep winning."
That is the end of our live coverage of this encounter! Sri Lanka finally won a game and opened their winning account in the ongoing Tri-Series. A good bowling performance followed by Pathum Nissanka's masterclass keeps the Lankan Lions alive in this tournament. Now, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at the same venue on Thursday becomes extremely important for both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, as the result of that game will decide the second finalist.
Stay tuned to our network for the cricketing action across the globe. For now, this is me, AkshayaKrishna Polya, signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Dev Rajawat, scorer Paras Yadav and statistician Aman. We will meet again. Until then, it is cheers!
Stay tuned to our network for the cricketing action across the globe. For now, this is me, AkshayaKrishna Polya, signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Dev Rajawat, scorer Paras Yadav and statistician Aman. We will meet again. Until then, it is cheers!