In a pulsating encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 19, 2026, Zimbabwe delivered yet another upset in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets with three balls to spare. This victory not only secured Zimbabwe’s perfect record in Group B but also propelled them into the Super Eight stage as group leaders, following their earlier shock win over Australia.
The match, the 38th of the tournament, saw Sri Lanka post a competitive 178/7 after electing to bat first, only for Zimbabwe’s batters to chase it down clinically at 182/4 in 19.3 overs. Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s captain, was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, including a brisk 45 runs.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Nissanka Anchors, Late Blitz Lifts Total
Sri Lanka started steadily, with opener Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. He scored a composed 62 off 48 balls, including timely boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking on a sluggish pitch. Partnering with Kusal Perera (who fell for 26) and Kusal Mendis (30), Nissanka helped build a solid foundation, reaching 100/2 by the 12th over.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers struck back in the middle overs. Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer was economical and effective, claiming 2/27, including the wicket of Mendis via a stumping. Brad Evans supported with 2/35, dismissing Perera with an off-cutter caught at short fine leg. Blessing Muzarabani also chipped in, maintaining pressure with tight lines.
A late flourish came from debutant Pavan Rathnayake, who smashed 44 off 26 balls, including a blitz of boundaries in the death overs. His partnership with Dasun Shanaka (14) added crucial runs, pushing Sri Lanka to 178/7. The innings highlights featured solid closing overs, with a flurry of boundaries helping them post what seemed a defendable total.
| Sri Lanka Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 62 | 48 | 6 | 1 | c Munyonga b Cremer |
| Kusal Perera | 26 | 18 | 3 | 1 | c Cremer b Muzarabani |
| Kusal Mendis | 30 | 22 | 2 | 0 | st Marumani b Burl |
| Kamindu Mendis | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | lbw b Evans |
| Dasun Shanaka | 14 | 9 | 1 | 1 | c Bennett b Muzarabani |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 44 | 26 | 4 | 2 | run out (Raza) |
| Dushan Hemantha | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | b Evans |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (not out) | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 | – |
Zimbabwe Bowling: Cremer 2/27, Evans 2/35, Muzarabani 2/32 (figures approximated from reports).
Zimbabwe’s Chase: Bennett and Raza Shine in Clinical Pursuit
Chasing 179, Zimbabwe’s openers set a strong platform. Brian Bennett, the young opener, played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 63 off 48 balls, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years. He partnered with Tadiwanashe Marumani (34 off 28) for a 69-run opening stand, reaching 50 in just 5.4 overs.
Ryan Burl contributed a quick 14 before falling, but captain Sikandar Raza accelerated the chase with a fiery 45 off 27 balls, including powerful strokes that reduced the required run rate. A 69-run partnership between Bennett and Raza put Zimbabwe in control, though Sri Lanka fought back with Dushan Hemantha taking 2/36, dismissing Burl and Raza in quick succession.
Despite losing Tashinga Musekiwa late, Bennett held his nerve, guiding Zimbabwe home in the 20th over. The chase was tense but showcased Zimbabwe’s depth and resilience.
| Zimbabwe Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett (not out) | 63 | 48 | 5 | 2 | – |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 34 | 28 | 3 | 1 | c Shanaka b Hemantha |
| Ryan Burl | 14 | 10 | 1 | 1 | lbw b Hemantha |
| Sikandar Raza | 45 | 27 | 4 | 2 | c Perera b Hasaranga |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | run out (Mendis) |
| Tony Munyonga (not out) | 18 | 8 | 2 | 1 | – |
Sri Lanka Bowling: Hemantha 2/36, Hasaranga 1/28.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Brian Bennett’s Anchor Role: His unbeaten 63 was pivotal, marking back-to-back half-centuries in the tournament and earning praise for steadying the innings.
- Sikandar Raza’s All-Round Impact: Beyond his batting, Raza’s leadership and fielding were crucial, justifying his Player of the Match award.
- Pathum Nissanka’s Foundation: Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 62, but his dismissal via a reverse sweep proved costly.
- Zimbabwe’s Bowling Discipline: Containing Sri Lanka in the middle overs on a batting-friendly pitch was key to keeping the target chaseable.
The match’s turning point came in the 18th over when Raza and Bennett accelerated, leaving Sri Lanka’s bowlers with little margin for error.
Implications for the T20 World Cup
This result sends Zimbabwe into the Super Eight unbeaten, boosting their confidence against top teams. Having already upset Australia, they emerge as dark horses. Sri Lanka, despite the loss, advances but will need to regroup after their first defeat. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, continues to deliver thrills, with fans praising Zimbabwe’s “pure talent” on social media.
Zimbabwe’s captain Raza expressed optimism: “We’ve shown quality across the board, and we’re ready for the Super Eights.” As the group stage wraps up, all eyes are on how these underdogs perform next.
Video Source: YouTube
