Pathum Nissanka provided the necessary foundation at the top of the order, anchoring the innings with a composed 41 runs. His knock, punctuated by seven boundaries, allowed Sri Lanka to weather the initial pressure on a pitch clearly favoring the slower bowlers. While Zimbabwe’s spin department managed to stifle the scoring rate during the middle periods, clawing back momentum with timely breakthroughs, they were ultimately undone by a late-game surge. Pavan Rathnayake proved to be the X-factor, dismantling the death bowling with a blistering 45 off just 25 deliveries. His aggression was complemented by Dunith Wellalage, who added a quick-fire 15 off 8 balls to ensure the scoreboard reflected a total that shifted the pressure firmly back onto the chasing side.
Zimbabwe’s response began with a measured approach, reaching 21 without loss in the opening exchanges. However, the task ahead remains steep, with 158 runs still required off 101 deliveries against a Sri Lankan bowling unit renowned for its tactical depth in spin-friendly conditions. As the battle for the Group B summit intensifies, the outcome of this chase will likely dictate the momentum for both nations heading into the business end of the tournament. The disciplined start by Zimbabwe's openers suggests a fightback is brewing, but the escalating required run rate and Sri Lanka’s potent spin arsenal ensure this thriller remains on a knife-edge.
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