Zimbabwe restricted the hosts to 173 for the fall of six wickets in the second T20 match played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday (Jan,16).

Zimbabwe won the toss and, in a strategic move, opted to bowl first.

The T20 opener, which took place in Colombo, was part of a crucial three-match series. With Sri Lanka currently leading the series 1-0, the stakes were high for both teams.

Marking a significant shift in their squad, Sri Lanka replaced Nuwan Thushara with Dilshan Madushanka, a left-arm quick.

Madushanka had been part of the roster during the three-match ODI series but did not play in the first T20 match. His return to the playing eleven in this second T20 hinted at a tactical recalibration by the Sri Lankan team.

With the third and final match of the series slated for Thursday in Colombo, both teams were under pressure. Zimbabwe, in particular, facing a series defeat, had to recalibrate their strategy while maintaining their original squad from the first game.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s cricketing journey continues with their participation in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024. Their first match in the tournament is against Sri Lanka on January 21.

Zimbabwe has had notable successes in the tournament in the past, winning the Plate Final in 2002 and advancing beyond the group stage in 2004 and 2006. These past triumphs and their recent 1-1 draw in a two-match series against Ireland underscore the team’s potential as they prepare for the upcoming U19 World Cup.

-with inputs from agencies