Zimbabwe lost the first T20I against Sri Lanka today, if Zimbabwe could have increased their score more, then Sri Lanka's victory would have been very difficult. But Sri Lanka easily won their match and advanced in the series, a huge victory for Sri Lanka by four wickets. Brian Bennett, the batsman of Zimbabwe, batted brilliantly, scored 81 runs, and Zimbabwe set a target of 175 runs. Sri Lanka batted well in the opening to meet Zimbabwe's target, if they had opened badly, their victory would have been incomplete. But due to the good batsmen, Sri Lanka easily won the match, and advanced in the T20I series.
Yes, Zimbabwe played well, there is nothing wrong with that. But Sri Lanka played much better than Zimbabwe. They have achieved such a big victory by just 4 wickets. Sri Lanka is doing very well day by day, if this continues, maybe Sri Lanka will be able to do something better very soon. Zimbabwe's bowling department seems a little weak to me. If Zimbabwe could have strengthened their bowling department a little, then the chances of Sri Lanka winning with this run would have been much less. Because the target of 175 runs in T20 is not a small run at all.
We need to appreciate how Zimbabwe performed against Sri Lanka on the 1st T20I. Even though Zimbabwe lost the three ODIs, they were too close games. Zimbabwe indeed have benefited from playing with stronger teams. They improved themselves and has been doing well.
Batting performance of Zimbabwe was particularly good with one man, Brian Bennett contributing the most. They bowled good too, if it were not for the 41 for 16 from Kamindu Mendis, it could have been close. A total of 26 runs were given in the 17th over which turned the game away from Zimbabwe.
