Sri Lanka finally tasted victory in the ongoing T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi, defeating Zimbabwe by 9 wickets in what turned out to be a one-sided contest. The night belonged to Pathum Nissanka, who not only played a match-winning innings of 98 not out, but also scripted history by becoming Sri Lanka highest run-scorer in T20I cricket.
This was Sri Lanka first win of the series after losses against Pakistan and Zimbabwe earlier, and it has now made the race to the final more exciting.
Nissanka Breaks Kusal Perera’s Record
Pathum Nissanka entered the match needing just 22 runs to surpass Kusal Perera tally of 2305 runs in T20Is. By the time he finished his unbeaten knock of 98 off 58 balls with 11 fours and 4 sixes, he had comfortably climbed to the top of Sri Lanka’s all-time T20I run chart.
Most Runs for Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals (Updated 2025)
- 2326 – Pathum Nissanka
- 2305 – Kusal Perera
- 2232 – Kusal Mendis
- 1889 – Tillakaratne Dilshan
- 1657 – Dasun Shanaka
At just 26 years of age, Nissanka’s rapid rise continues to shape Sri Lanka’s new batting era in T20 cricket.
Zimbabwe Struggle After Early Collapse
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat but found themselves in trouble early, losing both openers for just 17 runs. A fighting effort from Brian Bennett (34), skipper Sikandar Raza (37) and Ryan Burl (37) helped them reach 146/5 in 20 overs.
Sri Lankan bowlers – especially Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana kept things tight, picking up two wickets each, while skipper Dasun Shanaka claimed one.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: One-Man Show by Nissanka
Chasing 147, Sri Lanka got off to a steady start with Nissanka and Kamil Mishara adding 59 runs. Mishara fell for 12, but Kusal Mendis joined Nissanka to guide the chase effortlessly. Both batters stitched a match-winning partnership of 89 runs, as Sri Lanka reached the target in just 16.2 overs. Nissanka remained unbeaten on 98, narrowly missing a well-deserved century by just two runs.
Tri-Series Final Spot Still Open
With this victory, Sri Lanka have revived their hopes of reaching the Tri-Series final. Pakistan have already qualified, and Sri Lanka next match against Pakistan will determine who joins them in the summit clash. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will now depend on other results to stay alive in the competition.
Pathum Nissanka record-breaking knock has not only boosted Sri Lanka campaign but also cemented his place among the most impactful T20I players of the modern era. His achievement of becoming Sri Lanka highest T20I run-scorer marks a historic moment, while the team’s convincing win keeps the Tri-Series exciting as it moves toward the final stages.
