Fans react as Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis power Sri Lanka to thrilling win over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I

Sri Lanka got their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe off to a winning start with a thrilling four-wicket victory in the first game at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing 176 for victory, the visitors rode on Kamindu Mendis’ explosive cameo and Pathum Nissanka’s fluent half-century to cross the finish line with five balls to spare.

Brian Bennett anchors Zimbabwe’s strong total

Put in to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to opener Brian Bennett’s brilliant knock. The right-hander scored a fluent 81 off 57 balls, striking 12 boundaries and holding the innings together. He found support from Sikandar Raza, who chipped in with a quick 28 off 22 balls, and Ryan Burl’s handy 17. Despite losing wickets in clusters during the death overs, Zimbabwe ensured they had a fighting total on the board.

Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/30. Dushan Hemantha and Maheesh Theekshana also made crucial breakthroughs to prevent Zimbabwe from running away with the game.

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis shine in the chase

Sri Lanka’s reply began with a brisk opening stand as Nissanka continued his fine form in white-ball cricket. His 55 off 32 balls, laced with four fours and two sixes, set the platform for the chase. Kusal Mendis played a steady hand with 38 runs, but the middle order faltered briefly as Zimbabwe struck back with quick wickets.

However, Kamindu shifted the momentum decisively with a breathtaking innings of 41 off just 16 balls, smashing one four and four towering sixes. His counterattack took the pressure off Sri Lanka and left the hosts struggling to contain the run flow. Hemantha’s 14 off 9 balls ensured the chase was completed comfortably in the 20th over.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers produced moments of brilliance, particularly Richard Ngarava, who impressed with figures of 2/19 from his four overs. Raza’s tight spell of 1/26 also kept the game alive, but the inability to contain Kamindu’s late assault ultimately cost them the match.

Also READ: ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sri Lanka kicked off T20I series in style 🔥#cricket #ZIMvSL
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/kdLRtQnXuv pic.twitter.com/dk9DU2dela
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 3, 2025

Man of the Match, Kamindu Mendis! 🎉
An incredible match-winning knock of 41 not out from just 16 balls. What a sensational performance to get us over the line!#ZIMvSL #KaminduMendis #LionsRoar pic.twitter.com/y3xfjl0W3q
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 3, 2025

Player of the Match : 🇱🇰🏏⚾️ Kamindu Mendis #sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #SLvsZIM #ZIMvSL pic.twitter.com/nGO8AnMZ02
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) September 3, 2025

1ST T20I
Harare 🏟️
ZIM 175/7 in 20 overs
SL 177/6 in 19.1 overs
Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
( With 5 balls remaining ) #ZIMvSL #Cricket pic.twitter.com/seVo15DbvU
— TajalNoor (@tajal_noor) September 3, 2025

Sad thing about this brilliant Kamindu Mendis’ knock is, he will be labeled as a “finisher” for the rest of his career and might have to be stuck down the order forever. #ZIMvSL
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) September 3, 2025

Kamindu Mendis what a player you are! The team was under pressure, and you came in and scored 41 runs off just 16 balls, helping Sri Lanka chase 177. You’re the kind of player I want to see in the Asia Cup too.#ZIMvSL pic.twitter.com/2GNPhLwpsg
— Aryan Riaz🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12) September 3, 2025

After whitewashing Zimbabwe in the ODI series, Sri Lanka again beat Zimbabwe in the first T20i played at Harare by 4 wickets.They chased 176 in 19.1 overs. #ZimVSL
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 3, 2025