Sri Lanka were dealt a minor jolt early, losing Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka inside the Powerplay. However, they still raced to 58/2 in the first six overs, setting the tone for what would become a punishing display of strokeplay.
Sri Lanka are now a step closer to reaching the finals. On the other hand, India can sneak into the final by a miracle and their chances are now dependent on permutation and combinations that emerge from the matches of other teams.
Sri Lanka succeeded in overhauling the target for the loss of eight wickets and four balls remaining. With their victory, Sri Lanka along with Afghanistan advanced to the Super Four round, while Bangladesh got eliminated.
Mendis was part of the national squad which had resumed training after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams hit a six off the first ball of the day and declared immediately, thus ensuring that the heavy roller is used before the start of the Sri Lankan innings.
Sri Lanka posted a total of 294 for 8 in their stipulated quota of 50 overs, courtesy an 87-run innings from Mathews off 90 balls. Mathews blitzkrieg included 8 boundaries and a six.
"I'm really happy. I did have that target in mind," he said.
Off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase triggered the final capitulation in which five wickets fell for just eight runs.
Put in to bat, Sri Lanka lost their wickets at regular intervals in a match which was curtailed to 19 overs due to rain.
Angelo Mathews was ruled out of the Test series against Pakistan due to a calf muscle injury.
