In a heart-stopping finish for the ages, Zimbabwe pulled off a record-breaking chase to snatch victory from Sri Lanka in the second T20I, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Needing 20 runs off the final over, the visitors scripted the third-highest successful chase in T20I history, surpassing giants like England and Australia in a display of nerves and sheer grit.
20 runs were needed for Zimbabwe at the start of the 20th over in the 2nd T20I. These are the third-highest target runs successfully chased by any team in the 20th over in T20Is. Highest runs chase has been done by England and Australia by chasing 21 runs in the final over against West Indies and India respectively in 2023.
Sri Lanka’s batting started disastrously, crumbling to 27-4 under Blessing Muzarabani’s fiery pace. Angelo Mathews and Charith Asalanka rebuilt with a cautious innings, eventually finding their groove in the death overs. Asalanka unleashed a late flurry with powerful sixes and boundaries, guiding Sri Lanka to a respectable 142-7.
In response, Zimbabwe openers got off to a slow start, but Craig Ervine anchored the chase with a steady fifty. Skipper Raza’s dismissal and a quick flurry of wickets threatened to derail the chase, but Ervine held firm. When he departed leg-before to Hasaranga, the scoreboard read 126-5 with just four overs remaining.
This is where the drama truly unfolded. Ryan Burl and Luke Jongwe combined for a brutal display of hitting, smashing five sixes in the penultimate overs and reducing the equation to a nail-biting 14 needed off the last six balls. Angelo Mathews took the crucial final over, but a wide first ball gave Zimbabwe the upper hand. Jongwe then miscued a massive hit, only to be reprieved by a shocking drop at long-off. With two runs needed, Wessely Madande sealed the deal with a slog over deep mid-wicket, sending the Zimbabwean camp into a frenzy.
This comeback victory not only levels the series for Zimbabwe but also etch their name in T20I history books. Their 20-run chase in the final over is only the third-highest ever achieved in the format, a testament to their fighting spirit and resilience. With one match remaining, the series is now tantalizingly poised for a thrilling climax. Can Sri Lanka reclaim the lead, or will Zimbabwe continue their fairytale run and clinch the series? The final chapter promises to be a must-watch event for any T20I enthusiast.
