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T20 World Cup 2026: Fans excited as Zimbabwe remains unbeaten in Group B by defeating Sri Lanka

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zimbabwe Produced clinical run chase to defeat Sri Lanka Defeated by six wickets in the 38th match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Chasing a competitive target of 179, Zimbabwe scored 182/4 in 19.3 overs with three balls to spare to seal a memorable win in a thrilling encounter.

After Sri Lanka scored 178/7 in their 20 overs, Zimbabwe’s top and middle order combined with composure and aggression to complete one of their most impressive totals of the tournament.

Sri Lanka scored 178/7 after consistent contributions from the top order.

After winning the toss and coming to bat first, Sri Lanka made a fast start. Pathum Nissanka played a blistering inning of 62 runs in 41 balls, hitting eight fours and maintaining a strike rate above 150. His intent during the powerplay ensured Sri Lanka reached 61 runs in the first six overs.

Kusal Perera scored 22 runs in 14 balls, which included four brilliant fours, before falling to Blessing Muzarabani. An opening partnership of 54 runs laid a strong foundation, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip.

Kusal Mendis struggled for fluency and scored 14 runs from 20 balls before being stumped by Ryan Burl. Zimbabwe made a comeback in the middle overs through disciplined spin bowling, with Graeme Cremer bowling crucial spells. Kramer finished with impressive figures of 2 for 27 from four overs, removing both Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis at crucial times.

Pawan Rathnayake provided momentum to the team by scoring 44 runs in 25 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes. However, Sri Lanka lost wickets in clusters during the death overs, slipping from 164/6 to 164/7 in the space of two balls.

Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans took two wickets each, ensuring that Sri Lanka did not cross the 180 mark. Despite Dunith Velazquez’s unbeaten 15 off eight balls, Sri Lanka’s total of 178/7 appeared competitive but not overwhelming on the batting-friendly surface.

Zimbabwe chased the target of 179 runs calmly

Zimbabwe made a positive start to the chase and reached 55 in the mandatory powerplay. Tadivanashe Marumani made a lively contribution of 34 runs in 26 balls including five fours and a six before losing to Dunith Velazquez at 69/1.

Brian Bennett led the innings brilliantly. This right-handed batsman remained unbeaten after scoring 63 runs in 48 balls with the help of eight fours. His steady presence ensured that Zimbabwe maintained control even when wickets fell at the other end.

Ryan Burl boosted the pace of the chase by scoring a quickfire 23 runs off just 12 balls. His aggressive cameo took Zimbabwe to 98/2 before he was dismissed by Dasun Shanaka. However, the match-deciding partnership came between Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza.

Raza played a captain’s innings and scored 45 runs in 26 balls at a strike rate of over 170. His innings included 2 fours and 4 sky-high sixes, swinging the game decisively in Zimbabwe’s favour. Both of them added 69 runs for the third wicket and brought Zimbabwe closer to victory.

Although Raza’s wicket fell in the 19th over, Zimbabwe needed only a few runs. Tony Munyonga’s unbeaten eight runs including a six off three balls ensured The target was crossed in 19.3 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers found it difficult to contain Zimbabwe’s batsmen during the crucial stages of the chase. Dushan Hemantha was the most successful, taking 2 for 36 in four overs, while Velazquez and Shanaka took one wicket each.

Mahesh Theekshana gave a challenging performance and gave 47 runs in 3.3 overs at an economy rate of 13.40. Pramod Madushanka and Dilshan Madushanka also struggled to stop the flow of boundaries, allowing Zimbabwe to dictate terms.

See also: Ryan Burl’s magical leg spin results in Kusal Mendis’ stumping during SL vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash

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