RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Opening batter Pathum Nissanka hit an unbeaten 98 off 58 balls as Sri Lanka hammered Zimbabwe by nine wickets Tuesday for its first win in the T20 tri-series.

Nissanka’s whirlwind knock, which featured four sixes and 11 boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka to 148-1 with 22 balls to spare on a wicket where Zimbabwe batters struggled to score 146-5.

Pakistan has already qualified for Saturday’s final thanks to three straight wins. Sri Lanka must beat the host Thursday — otherwise Zimbabwe will advance to the final because of its superior net run-rate.

Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (25 not out) shared an 89-run stand off 64 balls as Zimbabwe bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs from the Sri Lankan opening batter.

“From the start, the confidence was there,” Sri Lan

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