Zimbabwe Stun Sri Lanka with Clinical Chase to Top Group B at T20 World Cup

Colombo, Feb 2026 : A calm, composed unbeaten half-century from Brian Bennett and a brutal late assault by Sikandar Raza powered Zimbabwe cricket team to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Sri Lanka cricket team in their Group B encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. The win not only marked Zimbabwe’s second-highest successful chase in T20 internationals but also ensured they finished the group stage unbeaten, topping a competitive table.

Set a challenging target of 179, Zimbabwe approached the chase with clarity and confidence. Openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided the ideal platform, combining aggression with smart shot selection. Marumani set the early tempo, racing to 34 off 26 balls with five crisp boundaries and a six, while Bennett played the role of the anchor, settling in after an early reprieve and focusing on strike rotation.

The opening stand yielded 68 runs and ensured Zimbabwe stayed ahead of the asking rate. By the halfway mark, the visitors were well placed at 78/1, having absorbed Sri Lanka’s new-ball pressure and laid the foundation for a strong finish. Even after Marumani’s dismissal, the momentum did not dip.

Middle-order batter Ryan Burl injected urgency into the chase with a rapid 23 off just 12 deliveries, including a towering six that lifted the tempo. Sri Lanka briefly clawed back control when captain Dasun Shanaka struck, but Zimbabwe’s resolve remained firm.

The decisive phase of the match unfolded when Bennett was joined by the experienced Raza. With the equation delicately balanced, Raza unleashed a ferocious counterattack that turned the contest on its head. He dismantled Sri Lanka’s spin attack with authority, smashing four sixes and two boundaries in a breathtaking 45 off 26 balls. His clean striking not only shifted momentum but also eased the pressure on Bennett at the other end.

As the partnership flourished, Bennett reached his half-century off 41 balls, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He continued to marshal the innings expertly, finding gaps, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries. Zimbabwe plundered 46 runs between the 15th and 17th overs, a surge that effectively wrested control from the hosts.

Sri Lanka attempted a late fightback through Dushan Hemantha, who removed Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa in quick succession. However, Zimbabwe’s composure held firm. Wessly Madhevere Munyonga kept his nerve, striking a vital six in the penultimate over to bring the equation firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour.

Bennett then sealed the result in emphatic fashion, carving a boundary through extra cover to finish unbeaten on 59 off 47 balls and complete a memorable chase with three balls to spare.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 178/7, built around a fluent 62 from Pathum Nissanka and a valuable 44 from Pavan Rathnayake. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, showed discipline at the death, with Graeme Cremer (2/27) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) ensuring the total remained within reach.

The result underlined Zimbabwe’s growing confidence and tactical clarity, while Sri Lanka were left to rue missed opportunities in the closing overs. With this win, Zimbabwe emerged as Group B toppers, finishing ahead of strong contenders and sending a clear message as the tournament heads into its decisive stages.

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.