Jongwe engineers last-over heist, Zimbabwe keep series alive

Sri Lanka 173 for 6 (Asalanka 69, Mathews 66*, Jongwe 2-32, Muzarabani 2-36, Luke Jongwe 2-32)

Zimbabwe 178 for 6 (Ervine 70, Jongwe 25*, Theekshana 2-25, Chameera 2-30)

Zimbabwe won by four wickets

Luke Jongwe pulled of a last-over heist of epic proportions, helping Zimbabwe to an epic four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international in Colombo on Tuesday.

Jongwe faced Angelo Matthews needing 20 runs off the last over.

The first ball disappeared of six, and to the horror Matthews, he had stepped over, meaning it as was free-hit no-ball. That yielded a four to deep extra cover.

The next ball was lofted straight over long-on for a four.

A dot followed, then a single. With two balls to go, Zimbabwe needed two runs, Clive Madande sent one over for six for a series-leveling win.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 173 for the loss of six wickets on the board. It was impressive as the hosts had to recover from 28 for four.

But Charith Asalanka (69) and Angelo Mathews (66) powered their way and were the top scorers, building a strong partnership from a position of recovery.

Their 118 for the fifth wicket gobbled up 15 overs and set Sri Lanka up well.

In response, Zimbabwe had a pensive start, but were steady up front even after losing Tinashe Kamunhukamwe for 12.

Craig Ervine was steady in the innings and made 70 off 54 before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. By then, Zimbabwe had set the launchpad and were able to chase the score down.

While accolades will quite rightly go to Jongwe his explosive 25 off 12 (two fours and two sixes), there will be a mention for Madande who smashed 12 off just five (two sixes). Brian Bennett was also impressive for fearless 25 off 20, with particular emphasis on his fearlessly taking on Hasaranga.

The series decider takes place on 18 January, with so far one ball to separate the two sides.

FUN FAC: Zimbabwe chasing down 20 runs off the last over is one short of the highest of 21.