Bennett and Raza guide Zimbabwe to a sixβwicket win, finishing unbeaten in the T20 World Cup group stage.
Zimbabwe delivered one of the biggest surprises at the ICC Menβs T20 World Cup 2026 by beating Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday. The African side chased down a target of 179 with six wickets in hand to finish unbeaten and top Group B.
Zimbabwe scored 182β4 in 19.3 overs after Sri Lanka set a competitive total of 178β7 earlier in the day. The win secured Zimbabweβs place in the Super Eight stage with maximum points and put them ahead of cricket powerhouses Sri Lanka and Australia in the group standings.
Zimbabweβs victory was built on strong batting performances from Brian Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza. Bennett struck a composed 63 not out from 48 balls, anchoring the chase with discipline and calm. Raza provided the needed acceleration with 45 runs off 26 deliveries, including several big hits under pressure.
Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe a strong start, putting on 69 runs before Marumani was dismissed. The partnership set the tone for the chase, allowing the team to stay ahead of the required run rate throughout.
Zimbabwe reached their target with three balls to spare, completing a memorable victory. The win marked their second major scalp of the tournament after earlier defeating Australia, and it extended their unbeaten run in the group.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted a competitive 178β7 from their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the innings with a fluent 62 from 41 balls, but the hosts lacked a big middleβovers partnership to push the total beyond reach.
Pavan Rathnayake contributed a brisk 44 runs off 25 deliveries, adding valuable lateβinnings runs. However, Sri Lankaβs bowling attack struggled to defend the total as Zimbabweβs batters applied consistent pressure.
Zimbabwe bowlers also played a key role. Graeme Cremer (2/27), Blessing Muzarabani (2/38), and Brad Evans (2/35) each took important wickets to keep Sri Lanka in check and limit their scoring opportunities.
Both teams had already qualified for the Super Eight stage before this clash. But with the win, Zimbabwe climbed to the top of Group B with an undefeated record, finishing above Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland.
Captain Sikandar Raza described the victory as a major boost for Zimbabwe cricket. He said the team has grown in confidence after every match and now looks forward to tougher tests in the Super Eights.
Zimbabweβs success sent a warning signal to other contenders in the tournament, showcasing their ability to perform against strong opponents and on big occasions.
Zimbabwe will now prepare for the Super Eight round, where competition will be stronger and stakes higher. Their unbeaten record gives them momentum, but key matchups lie ahead.
Sri Lanka, despite the loss, still moves forward to the next stage. They will aim to regroup and adjust tactics after this challenging defeat at home.
