Sri Lanka draw first blood in T20I series against Zimbabwe in Harare
Sri Lanka drew first blood in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after a four-wicket victory with five balls to spare in the opening game in Harare on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe level series after restricting Sri Lanka to their second lowest T20I total
The home team, who the toss and elected to bowl, restricted Sri Lanka to their second lowest total in T20Is after being 80 all out in 17.4 overs.
Spinner Sikandar Raza (3-11) and Brad Evans (3-15) took three wickets apiece while it was lanky fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani (2-14) that started the rot for the visitors with two scalps upfront.
Only three Sri Lanka batters reached double-figures with Kamil Mishara top-scoring with 20 while Charith Asalanka scored 18 and Dasun Shanaka 15 in a paltry effort with the willow.
The hosts were in early trouble in the run-chase as they slipped to 37-4 with seamer Dushmantha Chameera (3-19) setting the cat amongst the pigeons and giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope.
Ryan Burl (20 not out) and Tashinga Musekiwa (21 not out) settled Zimbabwe's nerves though with the winning runs being scored in the 15th over.
The third and deciding encounter of the series will take place in Harare on Sunday.
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