Zimbabwe Stun Sri Lanka, Top Group B Unbeaten

Zimbabwe produced one of the tournament’s most impressive performances to defeat hosts Sri Lanka and advance to the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as unbeaten Group B leaders. Chasing a challenging 179, they crossed the line with composure and resolve, finishing above Sri Lanka, Australia, and Ireland — a remarkable achievement that underlines how far this side has come.

Zimbabwe’s Batting Masterclass

The chase began under pressure, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers keeping things tight through a disciplined Powerplay. Zimbabwe were forced to work hard for every run, and the equation remained delicately poised. That changed when Brian Bennet found his timing, and opener Tadiwanashe Marumani shifted gears dramatically — unleashing a flurry of boundaries that flipped the momentum entirely. Skipper Sikandar Raza then delivered what many will regard as the defining knock of the evening, blending aggression with measured shot selection to keep Zimbabwe firmly in control of the chase.

Ryan Burl’s contribution ensured the required run rate never spiralled dangerously. Even when a brief wobble threatened to unsettle their momentum in the latter stages, Zimbabwe had enough in reserve to see the job through. It was their second-highest successful T20I chase and stands as a testament to their growing belief as a unit.

Spinners Strangle Sri Lanka’s Middle Overs

Batting first, Sri Lanka appeared to be building toward a formidable total. Openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka raced to 54 in under five overs, with Nissanka — fresh off a century against Australia — looking in supreme touch. However, Zimbabwe’s spin quartet of Sikandar Raza, Graeme Cremer, Ryan Burl, and Wellington Masakadza clamped down ruthlessly in the middle overs, conceding just 21 runs across four overs to bring the game firmly back into contest.

Nissanka eventually fell for 62, undone by the sluggish surface after a resolute half-century. Pavan Rathnayake provided some late fireworks with 44 off 25 balls, helping Sri Lanka close at 178 for seven — a competitive total, but ultimately not enough against a Zimbabwe side brimming with confidence and purpose heading into the Super 8s.