Sri Lanka draw first blood in T20I series against Zimbabwe in Harare

Chasing a target of 176, the visitors were given a good start by opener Pathum Nissanka who struck 55 from 32 balls while Kusal Mendis hit 38 in an first-wicket stand of 96 in 10 overs.

The match-winning partnership came for the seven-wicket when Kamindi Mendis scored an unbeaten 16-ball 41 and Dushan Hemantha was 14 not out from just nine deliveries.

The visitors had earlier restricted the home side to a total of 175-7 after Brian Bennett hit 81 from 57 balls while Sikandar Raza contributed 28 lower down the order.

Seamer Dushmantha Chameera always kept Zimbabwe in check with figures of 3-30 in his four overs.

The teams will battle it out i the second game in Harare on Saturday before the series concludes at the same venue on Sunday.

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