Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets (photos)
Remaining unbeaten in the group stage, Zimbabwe collected seven points, while co-hosts Sri Lanka finished second with six points.
KATHMANDU: Zimbabwe defeated co-host Sri Lanka by six wickets in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, chasing down a challenging target of 179 with three games to spare. The victory not only kept Zimbabwe unbeaten in the group stage but also sent a strong message about their growing prowess in T20 cricket.
While a single win can be seen as luck, toppling the hosts on their home turf, in front of their crowd, showcased Zimbabwe’s true potential. Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed clever plans to restrict Sri Lanka’s strong start, limiting them to 178 runs in a meticulously paced innings.
Chasing the target, Zimbabwe’s openers anchored the innings brilliantly. Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63, providing stability at one end. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raja, Ryan Burl, and Tadiwanase Marumani attacked fearlessly, keeping the run rate high and steering Zimbabwe toward a record chase—the second-highest target successfully pursued in T20 World Cup history.
Sri Lanka’s innings unfolded in three phases. A strong start saw them reach 54 without loss in the first 29 balls. However, in the next 72 balls, they managed 82 runs while losing four crucial wickets. In the final 19 balls, they added 42 runs, finishing at 178, a respectable total but insufficient against Zimbabwe’s clinical response.
The match-defining moment came from Sikandar Raja, whose explosive 45 off 26 balls swung momentum decisively in Zimbabwe’s favor. Brian Bennett’s measured 63 ensured the chase remained steady, complementing Raja’s aggressive push. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, who had scored a century in the previous game, continued his good form, partnering with skilled batsman Kusal Mendis to reach 50 in just the fifth over.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, managed to curb further damage, preventing Sri Lanka from building an unassailable total.
Both teams had already secured spots in the Super 8, but this victory firmly established Zimbabwe as a serious contender in the tournament, capable of challenging top sides in hostile conditions.
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