Sean Williams Surpasses Shakib Al Hasan's T20I Milestone Following His Return to Competition Against Sri Lanka
In a high-scoring and nail-biting encounter at the Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of their two-match series.
Brian Bennett's aggressive 81 off 57 deliveries helped Zimbabwe post a challenging total of 175/7. Pathum Nissanka responded with a fluent half-century for Sri Lanka, setting the stage for an exciting chase.
However, it was Kamindu Mendis who stole the show. His late onslaught, particularly a 26-run over in the 18th, sealed the win for Sri Lanka with 4 wickets remaining and 5 balls to spare. Mendis finished the match unbeaten on 41 off just 16 balls, hitting a staggering 4 sixes.
Mendis' outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Sean Williams, who returned to Zimbabwe cricket, provided a timely boost with his leadership, all-round ability, and unmatched experience. Williams not only broke the record for the most T20I appearances for Zimbabwe, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's mark, but also debuted on the same day as Brendon Taylor.
Taylor, who made his T20I debut in the first match, is closing in on the milestone of most T20I appearances for Zimbabwe if he returns to the international fold. Regis Chakabva, who made his T20I debut in the same match, became the youngest Zimbabwean to score a half-century on debut.
The series continues as both teams gear up for the second T20I, with Williams set to play in the three-match T20I series against Namibia at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from September 15 to 18.
