Zimbabwe set record T20I total but Sri Lanka seal series win

Zimbabwe created a new record in their T20I history against Sri Lanka, scoring their highest-ever total against the island nation. Zimbabwe topped their previous best against Sri Lanka of 175/7, also made in Harare, on September 7, 2025, when they reached 191/8 in their full 20 overs in the series-deciding match at the Harare Sports Club. Despite this new record for Zimbabwe, it was Sri Lankans who ultimately came away with the series, easily chasing down the target to claim a 2-1 series victory.

After losing the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and, from the outset, adopted an aggressive strategy. Young opening batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani had a key role by scoring an excellent tempo of 51 and occupying the innings at the top. Contributions were made from battles with Sean Williams (23) and all-rounder Sikandar Raza (28), providing stability enough to ensure that Zimbabwe posted above the 190-run mark against Sri Lanka for the first time in T20Is. It was a competitive total of 191/8 on a pitch that had some assistance for the batters.

Sri Lanka’s dominant chase denies Zimbabwe despite record T20I total.

The Sri Lankan batting response was a contrasting story. It did not take long for the Sri Lankan visitors to chase down the target of  192 running comfortably in the end to win by 8 wickets with 14 balls to spare. The clinical batting of the Sri Lankan batsmen in the final match of the series demonstrated their dominance in the third and final game and clearly demonstrated the chasm in finishing power between the two countries. With the victory, Sri Lanka prevailed in the series contest 2-1 while demonstrating their ability to chase down totals under pressure.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] 'You deserve to be...'- Shreyas Iyer reveals frustration on not getting deserving spot in Indian team for Asia Cup 2025

For Zimbabwe, this result was mixed. On the one hand, they acknowledged themselves out with an unfinished total against a major opponent, highlighting progress and intent to engage. On the other hand, for a team that had turned a record score into a lost cause was given stating weaknesses in their bowling were stated, which could not sustain pressure in the chase, also signifying an indictment in the series context: Zimbabwe were denied the chance to win a T20I series against a Full Member.

Nevertheless, Zimbabwe's batters, particularly in respect to Marumani and Raza, gave their supporters something to enjoy, as their young players stepped up Some senior players were also noteworthy, and everyone involved in international cricket should take positives as they continue to prepare for international challenges.

And whilst the historical effort did not conclude in victory, it did reinforce that Zimbabwe were increasingly demonstrating that they could challenge the better sides in T20 cricket... And this is unequivocally positive for the future of the team.