Zimbabwe Top Group B Unbeaten

19 February 2026

By Andile Vundla

Zimbabwe sealed top spot in Group B with an unbeaten run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, strengthening their title credentials ahead of the Super Eight stage after a six-wicket win over co-hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Chasing 179 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe reached 182 for four with three balls to spare, completing the group phase without defeat. Both teams had already qualified for the Super Eight, but the result confirmed Zimbabwe’s dominance in a pool that included Australia, Ireland and Oman.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls, following his 64 not out against Australia earlier in the tournament. Captain Sikander Raza delivered the decisive blow, striking 45 off 26 balls, including four sixes, to shift momentum during the closing overs. He was named Player of the Match.

Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, opted to bat and raced to 54 in the first five overs through Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. Zimbabwe responded with disciplined bowling. Blessing Muzarabani removed Perera for 22, while Ryan Burl and Graeme Cremer struck in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 123 for four.

Nissanka top-scored with 62, and Pavan Rathnayake added a brisk 44 off 25 balls to lift Sri Lanka to 178 for seven. Cremer returned figures of two for 27, with Brad Evans and Muzarabani also claiming two wickets each.

Zimbabwe’s reply began with a 69-run opening stand between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. After losing wickets at key moments, Zimbabwe required 65 from the final six overs before Raza accelerated the scoring, including a 20-run over off Dushan Hemantha.

Despite late tension, Tony Munyonga struck a six in the final over to ease the pressure before Bennett drove the winning runs through the covers.

The result sends Zimbabwe into the Super Eight alongside co-hosts India, South Africa and the West Indies.

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