Sri Lanka successfully chased a target of 176 in the final over of the opening T20I match against Zimbabwe, played in Harare on Wednesday.
Set 176 for victory, Sri Lanka reached the target in 20 overs with six wickets down, thanks to a composed knock from opener Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with 55 runs.
Kusal Mendis chipped in with 38 runs, while Kamindu Mendis guided the chase with an unbeaten 41 off 26 deliveries.
Dushan Hemantha also remained not out on 14 runs, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the finish line under pressure.
However, the middle order faltered as Nuwanidu Fernando (7), Dasun Shanaka (6), Kusal Perera (4) and captain Charith Asalanka (1) failed to make an impact.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava bowled with discipline to claim two wickets, while Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Blessing Muzarabani picked up a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, after being asked to bat first, posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs.
Young batter Brian Bennett played a blistering innings of 81 runs, keeping his side in contention throughout.
Captain Sikandar Raza contributed 28, while Ryan Burl (17), Sean Williams (14), Tashinga Musekiwa (11) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (7) added runs down the order. Tony Munyonga departed without scoring.
Tail-enders Tadiwanashe Marumani (2)* and Brad Evans (0)* remained unbeaten as Zimbabwe finished with a competitive total.
The result gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the T20I series, with both teams looking ahead to the next encounter.
