RAWALPINDI: Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 98 as Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the fifth match of the tri-nation T20I series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Nissanka struck 11 fours and four sixes to guide Sri Lanka to the 147-run target with 22 balls to spare. He added 59 runs for the first wicket with Kamil Mishara (12) in 5.4 overs, while his unbroken second-wicket partnership with Kusal Mendis (25 not out) produced 89 runs.

Earlier, Zimbabwe scored 146 for five, with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl scoring 37 runs each and Brian Bennett contributing 34.

This was Sri Lanka’s first win in the tournament, while it was Zimbabwe’s third defeat in four matches. Sri Lanka will now need to beat Pakistan on Thursday to qualify for the final.

Scores in brief

ZIMBABWE 146-5, 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 37, Ryan Burl 37, Brian Bennett 34; Maheesh Theekshana 2-23, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-23)

SRI LANKA 148-1, 16.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 98 not out, Kusal Mendis 25 not out)