Zimbabwe recorded a historic victory by clinching their first T20 international against Sri Lanka, leveling the three-match series at one all in Colombo on Tuesday.
Facing a challenging target of 174, Zimbabwe found themselves in a gripping situation needing 20 runs off the last over bowled by Angelo Mathews. In a dramatic turn of events, they emerged victorious by securing a four-wicket win.
Mathews, the hero for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 66, could not replicate his batting success in the bowling department as Zimbabwe successfully chased down the target with a ball to spare.
Luke Jongwe, the star of the match, not only contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, but also played a crucial role in the stunning victory. Jongwe's explosive innings of 25 runs off 12 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, earned him the well-deserved title of Man of the Match.
Jongwe's remarkable performance in the final over was the turning point. He began with a six-over long-on, taking advantage of Mathews' overstep. The equation was reduced to 13 out of six balls. Jongwe followed it up with a boundary and another six, needing only three runs off four balls. Despite a dot ball from Mathews and a dropped catch, Jongwe and Clive Madande sealed the win in style, with Madande hitting a six off the penultimate ball.
Sri Lanka's fielding lapses, including dropped catches and misfields, added to their woes. Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring a career-best T20 innings of 70 runs off 54 balls, steering his team to an unexpected victory.
Despite Sri Lanka's early struggles at 27 for four, Mathews and Charith Asalanka's impressive 118-run partnership revived their innings. However, their efforts were in vain as Zimbabwe emerged triumphant in the end.
With the series level at one each, the final game on Thursday promises to be the decisive showdown.
