Zimbabwe sent another shockwave through the T20 World Cup, defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets to finish top of Group B and underline their credentials ahead of the Super Eight.
The Africans, who had already rocked the tournament by upsetting Australia, chased down a challenging target of 179 with three balls to spare on Thursday, silencing the home crowd at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Opener Brian Bennett anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63, while captain Sikandar Raza provided late fireworks with a rapid 45 off 26 balls. The win handed Sri Lanka their first defeat of the campaign, even as both sides had already sealed places in the Super Eight.
“I’m pretty excited with how we’ve gone about our business,” said player of the match Raza. “We’re unbeaten so far — it’s a nice position to be in as captain.”
Zimbabwe won three of their four group matches, with Tuesday’s fixture against Ireland washed out, a run that also saw Australia eliminated despite being pre-tournament favourites. The result capped a remarkable group stage for Zimbabwe, who reached this year’s tournament via continental qualification and had missed the 2024 edition.
Earlier, Sri Lanka opted to bat and posted 178 for 7, led by opener Pathum Nissanka with a fluent 62. Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the hosts in check, with Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Graeme Cremer each claiming two wickets.
Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid the foundation with a 69-run opening stand before Raza’s six-hitting surge finished the job, Bennett sealing victory with a crisp drive through mid-off to take Zimbabwe to 182 for 4.
Attention now turns to the Super Eight. Sri Lanka will battle England, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group Two, while Zimbabwe face a daunting Group One featuring holders India, South Africa and West Indies. Zimbabwe open their Super Eight campaign against West Indies on Monday, a day after Sri Lanka take on England.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
