T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe go top of Group B after beating Sri Lanka by six wickets

COLOMBO (Dunya News) – Zimbabwe continued their unbeaten run in Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a challenging target of 179, the Chevrons reached 179 for 4 in the final over to move to the top of the standings, powered by authoritative knocks from Brian Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe made an assertive start as openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 69 for the first wicket. Marumani struck 34 off 26 balls, including five fours and a six, before falling to Dunith Wellalage in the ninth over.

Ryan Burl followed with a brisk 23 off 12 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six, but was dismissed by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka with the score progressing steadily.

The decisive stand came between Bennett and Raza. The pair added 50 runs in quick time, with Raza launching back-to-back sixes to bring the equation down to 45 required from the final five overs. Bennett brought up his half-century during the partnership, maintaining composure amid mounting pressure.

Sikandar Raza's brisk 45 made the difference as Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka in the #T20WorldCup 2026 

He wins the @aramco POTM

: https://t.co/OdciG6vamS pic.twitter.com/aFRp2YyXce

— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2026

Raza’s counterattacking 45 off 26 balls, featuring two fours and four sixes, ended in the 19th over when Dushan Hemantha struck. Hemantha removed Tashinga Musekiwa for one in the same over, leaving Zimbabwe 167 for 4 and briefly reviving Sri Lanka’s hopes.

Needing eight in the final over, Tony Munyonga sealed the contest with a towering six before handing the strike back to Bennett, who finished unbeaten on 63 from 48 balls, including eight fours. Munyonga remained not out on eight off three deliveries as Zimbabwe completed the chase with four wickets down.

Sri Lanka’s 178 for 7

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178 for 7 after being put in to bat. Openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka laid a strong foundation with a 54-run partnership. Perera made 22 off 14 balls with four boundaries before falling to Blessing Muzarabani in the fifth over.

Nissanka continued fluently, registering his 19th T20I half-century and scoring 62 off 41 deliveries, striking eight fours. Kusal Mendis contributed 14 off 20 before being stumped by Burl, leaving Sri Lanka 100 for 2 in the 13th over.

Zimbabwe’s fightback gathered pace when Graeme Cremer dismissed Nissanka and then removed Kamindu Mendis for seven. From 123 for 4 in 15.2 overs, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain momentum.

Muzarabani claimed his second wicket by dismissing Shanaka for six, while Brad Evans struck twice in the 19th over, removing Pavan Rathnayake for 44 off 25 balls and Dushan Hemantha for a first-ball duck. Rathnayake’s innings included three fours and two sixes and provided late impetus.

Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten on 15 off eight deliveries, hitting three fours, as Sri Lanka closed on 178 for 7. For Zimbabwe, Muzarabani, Evans and Cremer picked up two wickets each, with Burl chipping in with one, setting up a chase that keeps the Chevrons firmly in control of Group B.