The first T20I of the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 did not disappoint as supporters at Harare Sports Club saw an entertaining game that had everything - big blows, penetrative bowling, and a limelight-stealing catch. Zimbabwe set up a testing score after which Sri Lanka played responsibly under pressure to win the match by four wickets with five balls left, gaining an early edge in the three-match series. During perhaps the most discussed moment of the game, Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning catch to get rid of erstwhile Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka. It was on the last delivery of the 17th over, when Brad Evans bowled a slower one short ball. Shanaka tried the pull shot but could not generate power and got the ball high in the air deep towards mid-wicket. Two Zimbabwean fielders, Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa, moved in for the catch and bumped into one another. The ball escaped from Musekiwa's grip, only for Munyonga to spring into action and pull off a low catch mere inches above the ground. While accidental, Munyonga's sharp reflexes saw Shanaka get dismissed in a dramatic manner. Also Read | Suresh Raina Picks His All-Time CSK IPL XI, Leaves One Legendary Player Watch here: Oops ➡️ Gotcha 😎Munyonga reacts in a flash and completes a jaw-dropping catch for Zimbabwe!#ZIMvSL pic.twitter.com/ulbM4koZfi — FanCode (@FanCode) September 3, 2025 Choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a fighting total of 175/7 in 20 overs. Young batter Brian Bennett stole the show with a well-paced 81 off 57 balls, supporting the hosts' batting performance. Even with his heroics, Zimbabwe couldn't quite make the most of the death overs, as Dushmantha Chameera delivered important blows, finishing at 3/30 to leave the target within Sri Lanka's reach. Sri Lanka chase down target with late fireworks In reply, Sri Lanka showed composure in their chase. Pathum Nissanka gave the visitors a flying start with 55 off just 32 deliveries, setting the tone early on. The game, however, tilted in Zimbabwe’s favor briefly with regular breakthroughs, including Shanaka’s dismissal in the 17th over. But Kamindu Mendis turned the match around with a blistering unbeaten 41 off 16 balls, steering Sri Lanka home with five balls to spare. Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava was the standout bowler with 2/19, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a Sri Lankan win.