Source TOI
COLOMBO – In a historic night at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe cemented their status as the “giant killers” of the 2026 T20 World Cup, stunning co-hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday. The victory ensures the Chevrons finish the group stage undefeated, heading into the Super Eight stage at the top of Group B.
Chasing a challenging target of 179, Zimbabwe’s pursuit was anchored by a composed unbeaten 63 from young opener Brian Bennett and a blistering captain’s knock from Sikandar Raza. Raza, the 39-year-old veteran, turned the tide in the 15th over by plundering 20 runs off leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, effectively breaking the back of the chase.
The Chase: Experience Meets Youth
Zimbabwe’s innings began with a solid 69-run opening stand between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (34). However, the momentum slowed until Raza arrived at the crease. Initially watchful, the skipper exploded into life with four massive sixes and two boundaries, scoring 45 off just 26 balls.
Though Raza fell in the penultimate over, the damage was already done. Tony Munyonga calmed any late nerves by smashing a six off the first ball of the final over, leaving Bennett to hit the winning boundary with three balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start Fades
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 178/7. Pathum Nissanka continued his golden run in the tournament, top-scoring with a fluent 62 off 47 balls. He was well-supported by Pavan Rathnayake, who provided late-innings fireworks with a 25-ball 44.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowling unit, led by veteran Graeme Cremer (2/27) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/38), managed to apply the brakes during the middle overs, preventing the hosts from reaching a total closer to 200.
Historical Significance
This victory is more than just a group-stage win; it marks the first time Zimbabwe has finished a World Cup group stage unbeaten. Having already knocked out heavyweights Australia earlier in the tournament, the Africans have sent a clear message to the cricketing world.
“We have trained for every situation and our roles are clear,” said Player of the Match Sikandar Raza. “To win everyone’s respect is a good position to be in, but we aren’t done yet. Everyone loves an underdog story.”
What’s Next?
Zimbabwe now advances to the Super Eight stage as Group B leaders. They are set to face a gauntlet of cricket powerhouses, including defending champions India, the West Indies, and South Africa, as they look to continue their fairytale run in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 178/7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2/27)
Zimbabwe: 182/4 in 19.3 overs (Brian Bennett 63*, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2/36)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets.
