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ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): Sri Lanka cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, with 22 balls to spare, in the fifth match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 147, openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara laid a solid foundation with a 59-run stand for the first wicket before Mishara departed for 12, dismissed by Brad Evans.
Nissanka produced a commanding performance, finishing unbeaten on 98 off 58 deliveries, striking eleven 4s and four 6s to steer Sri Lanka to an emphatic win.
He was ably supported by Kusal Mendis, who remained not out on 25, ensuring Sri Lanka reached the target with ease (148 for 1).
Earlier, Zimbabwe, having won the toss, elected to bat first and posted a competitive 146 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a composed 34, while Tadiwanashe Marumani fell early for 4. Dion Myers (6) and Brendan Taylor (14) added brief contributions in the middle order.
Captain Sikandar Raza steadied the innings with a crucial 37 off 29 balls, and Ryan Burl provided late impetus with an unbeaten 37 from 26 deliveries. Tashinga Musekiwa remained not out on 6 as Zimbabwe closed their innings with a respectable total.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga were the standout performers, each claiming two wickets for 23 runs while Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a wicket, conceding 36 runs. Nissanka was declared Player of the match.