Sri Lanka cricket team suffered a humiliating 5-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I, a big jolt for the side before Asia Cup 2025. The visitors were bundled out for just 80 runs after batting first in the contest following which they failed to defend the target. Zimbabwe completed the run chase with xx balls to spare, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
Zimbabwe hand harsh reality to Sri Lanka before Asia Cup
Sri Lanka recorded the lowest total by a full member nation against Zimbabwe after being skittled out for just 80 runs. Opting to bowl first in the contest, Blessing Muzarbani got the first breakthrough as he sent Kusal Mendis packing in the 2nd over. A collapse was just triggered that saw Brad Evans and Muzarbai strike thrice within the powerplay to reduce the visitors to 37/4.
Mishara (20), Asalanka (18) and Shanaka (16) attempted to put up a fight. However, the Zimbabwe bowlers kept striking in regular intervals before sending the entire lower order packing for single digit scores. ZIM captain Raza and Evans finished with three wickets each to their name.
| Team | Score | Venue | Start Date |
| Sri Lanka | 80 | Harare | September 6, 2025 |
| Pakistan | 99 | Harare | April 23, 2021 |
| India | 102 | Harare | July 6, 2024 |
| Ireland | 114 | Harare | January 12, 2023 |
| Ireland | 119 | Bready | September 4, 2021 |
| Bangladesh | 143 | Harare | July 23, 2021 |
| Bangladesh | 143 | Mirpur | May 10, 2024 |
| Bangladesh | 162 | Khulna | January 22, 2016 |
| Bangladesh | 166 | Khulna | November 28, 2006 |
In response, Zimbabwe chased down the target in 14.2 overs. At one point, it looked like Sri Lanka could be able to produce a miracle as Zimbabwe were five wickets down. However, the middle-order batters managed to hold their nerves Tashinga Musekiwa struck a four off the second delivery of the 15th over to power Zimbabwe to a thumping win.
The post Sri Lanka falter before Asia Cup 2025 as Zimbabwe hand red-faced 5-wicket thrashing appeared first on Inside Sport India.