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Zimbabwe Stun Sri Lanka, Enter T20 WC Super 8s Unbeaten

Zimbabwe secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to finish the group stage undefeated and top Group B. Chasing 179, Brian Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59, while Sikandar Raza provided a crucial, explosive 45 off just 26 balls. The win, Zimbabwe's second-highest successful T20I chase, was sealed with three balls to spare. This result confirms Zimbabwe's place in the Super 8s as group winners.

Key Points: Zimbabwe Beat Sri Lanka, Top Group B in T20 World Cup

  • Bennett's unbeaten 59 anchors chase
  • Raza's explosive 45 off 26 balls
  • Zimbabwe's second-highest successful T20I chase
  • Topped Group B undefeated
  • Sri Lanka's 178/7 not enough
2 min read

T20 WC: Zimbabwe enter Super 8s undefeated after emphatic six-wicket win over Sri Lanka

Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza power Zimbabwe to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, securing an undefeated run into the Super 8s.

"His assault, particularly against the spinners, swung the momentum - on Sikandar Raza"

Colombo, Feb 19

Brian Bennett anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten half-century while Sikandar Raza delivered a crucial late blow as Zimbabwe pulled off a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their Group B clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.

Chasing a competitive target of 179, Zimbabwe rode on a strong opening partnership between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani to lay the foundation. The duo added 68 runs for the first wicket, with Marumani playing aggressively to score 34 off 26 balls, striking five fours and a six. Bennett, meanwhile, settled in after an early reprieve and steadily built momentum.

Zimbabwe reached 78/1 at the halfway stage and continued to keep the required rate in check. Ryan Burl provided further impetus with a quickfire 23 off 12 balls, including a towering six, before Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka struck to briefly halt the progress.

However, the match turned decisively in Zimbabwe's favour during a blistering partnership between Bennett and Raza. With the chase finely poised, Raza launched a fierce counterattack, smashing four sixes and two boundaries in his 45 off just 26 balls. His assault, particularly against the spinners, swung the momentum and reduced the pressure on the visitors.

Bennett brought up his half-century off 41 balls and continued to anchor the innings with maturity, rotating strike effectively while capitalising on loose deliveries. Zimbabwe collected 46 runs between the 15th and 17th overs, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka attempted a late comeback when Dushan Hemantha dismissed Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa in quick succession, but Munyonga kept his composure under pressure. He struck a crucial six in the penultimate over before Bennett sealed the victory in style with a boundary through extra cover, finishing unbeaten on 59 off 47 balls.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 178/7 in their 20 overs, but Zimbabwe's disciplined bowling effort ensured the total remained within reach.

The victory marked Zimbabwe's second-highest successful chase in T20 internationals and ensured they finished unbeaten in Group B, topping a table that included Sri Lanka, Australia, and Ireland. Sri Lanka, despite moments of control, were undone by Zimbabwe's clinical batting in the death overs.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 178/7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2-27, Blessing Muzarabani 2-38) lost to Zimbabwe 179/6 in 19.3 overs (Brian Bennett 59*, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2-36) by six wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Bennett's knock was so mature. He anchored the chase perfectly. Sri Lanka's bowling in the death overs was a bit of a letdown, though. They had the match in control but let it slip.
V
Vikram M
Zimbabwe topping a group with Australia and Sri Lanka? That's no joke! Their batting depth looks solid. Hope they can carry this momentum into the Super 8s. The tournament just got more interesting.
P
Priya S
Sri Lanka needs to seriously work on their fielding and death bowling. So many dropped catches and expensive overs. As a neutral fan, happy for Zimbabwe but Sri Lankan fans must be heartbroken.
R
Rohit P
46 runs in 3 overs between 15th and 17th! That's where they won it. Raza's assault was the turning point. Zimbabwe showing they are a force to be reckoned with. Well played!
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the batting, but Zimbabwe's bowling to restrict SL to 178 on what seems a good Colombo pitch was equally crucial. That set up the chase.

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