New Delhi | RBN News
Zimbabwe delivered one of the standout results of the tournament by defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in their final Group B match of the T20 World Cup, successfully chasing down a target of 179 with three balls remaining.
The victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo secured Zimbabwe the top spot in Group B and sent a strong message ahead of the Super Eight stage.
Bennett Anchors the Chase
Opening batter Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63, guiding Zimbabwe’s innings with composure. Captain Sikandar Raza provided crucial middle-order acceleration with a rapid 45 off 26 deliveries, including four sixes and two boundaries.
Zimbabwe reached 182-4 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 178-7, completing the chase in the final over. Bennett sealed the win with a controlled drive towards mid-off.
Earlier, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (34) laid a solid foundation with a 69-run opening partnership, setting the tone for the successful chase.
Sri Lanka Post Competitive Total
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted 178-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 62, anchoring the innings on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack maintained pressure through regular breakthroughs. Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, and Graeme Cremer claimed two wickets each to restrict Sri Lanka from crossing the 180-run mark.
Despite a competitive total, Sri Lanka were unable to contain Zimbabwe’s measured yet aggressive batting approach.
Group Stage Implications
The result marked Sri Lanka’s first defeat of the campaign. Both teams had already qualified for the Super Eight prior to the match, but Zimbabwe’s win ensured they advanced as group leaders.
Zimbabwe concluded the group stage unbeaten, winning three matches, with one fixture against Ireland abandoned due to rain. Notably, Zimbabwe had also registered a surprise win against Australia earlier in the tournament, which ultimately contributed to Australia’s elimination.
Zimbabwe, who did not feature in the 2024 edition, qualified for this year’s T20 World Cup through a continental pathway and are the only Super Eight side to have progressed via regional qualification.
Super Eight Outlook
Sri Lanka will compete in Group Two of the Super Eight alongside England, New Zealand, and Pakistan. Zimbabwe have been placed in Group One with defending champions India, South Africa, and West Indies.
Captain Raza described the team’s momentum as encouraging heading into the next phase, noting their unbeaten run in the group stage.
With two high-profile wins already secured, Zimbabwe enter the Super Eight as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders, while Sri Lanka will look to regroup ahead of a challenging next round.
