Pathum Nissanka's unbeaten 98 helped Sri Lanka thrash Zimbabwe by nine wickets and keep their hopes of reaching the tri-series final alive.

The Sri Lanka opener scored his 98 off just 58 deliveries, scoring 11 fours and four maximums as they chased down their target of 147 in 16.2 overs.

Zimbabwe chose to bat after winning the toss, but saw both Tadiwanashe Marumani (four) and Dion Myers (six) bowled out by Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) in the powerplay.

Brendan Taylor (14) followed soon after, before Brian Bennett (34) and Sikander Raza were dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23).

Ryan Burl's 37 not out off 26 balls helped Zimbabwe post a total of 146-5, but Sri Lanka lost just one wicket during their reply.

Kamil Mishara (12) was caught off the bowling of Brad Evans (1-36) while Kusal Mendis scored a run-a-ball 25 as Nissanka teed off at the other end to get Sri Lanka over the line.

Brilliant knock by Pathum Nissanka, Scoring 98* runs, he guided Sri Lanka to a commanding 9-wicket victory#SriLankaCricket #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/JXu46U6kjq

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 25, 2025

Data Debrief: Nissanka reaches the top of the Sri Lanka charts

Nissanka's stunning innings not only saw Sri Lanka remain in contention for the tri-series final, but he is now their all-time leading scorer in the format.

The batter has scored 2,326 runs in T20Is, surpassing Kusal Perera's previous record of 2,305 in the shortest format.

After needing three games to get their first win on the board, Sri Lanka will now need to avoid defeat against Pakistan in their final match to reach the showpiece.