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    T20 World Cup 2026: Fans go berserk as Zimbabwe thump Sri Lanka to remain unbeaten in Group B

    News DeskBy No Comments5 Mins Read
    T20 World Cup 2026: Fans go berserk as Zimbabwe thump Sri Lanka to remain unbeaten in Group B

    Zimbabwe produced a clinical run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 38th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Chasing a competitive target of 179, Zimbabwe reached 182/4 in 19.3 overs, sealing a memorable win with three balls to spare in a pulsating contest.

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

    Sri Lanka post 178/7 after steady top-order contributions

    Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a fluent 62 off 41 balls, striking eight boundaries 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 added early momentum with 22 from 14 deliveries, including four crisp boundaries, before falling to Blessing Muzarabani. The opening stand of 54 laid a solid foundation, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip.

    Kusal Mendis struggled for fluency, managing 14 from 20 balls before being stumped off Ryan Burl. The middle overs saw Zimbabwe claw back through disciplined spin bowling, with Graeme Cremer delivering a key spell. Cremer finished with impressive figures of 2 for 27 in four overs, removing both Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis at crucial junctures.

    Pavan Rathnayake provided late acceleration with a dynamic 44 off 25 balls, hitting 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 deliveries.

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

    Zimbabwe’s calm and calculated chase of 179

    Zimbabwe began their chase positively, reaching 55 in the mandatory powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed a lively 34 off 26 balls, including five fours and a six, before falling to Dunith Wellalage at 69/1.

    Brian Bennett anchored the innings superbly. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 63 from 48 deliveries, striking eight boundaries. His steady presence ensured Zimbabwe maintained control even when wickets fell at the other end.

    Ryan Burl injected momentum into the chase with a quickfire 23 off just 12 balls. His aggressive cameo lifted Zimbabwe to 98/2 before Dasun Shanaka dismissed him. However, the match-defining partnership came between Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza.

    Raza delivered a captain’s knock, smashing 45 from 26 balls at a strike rate exceeding 170. His innings featured 2 fours and 4 towering sixes, turning the game decisively in Zimbabwe’s favor. The duo added 69 runs for the third wicket, taking Zimbabwe within touching distance of victory.

    Although Raza fell in the 19th over, Zimbabwe required only a handful of runs. Tony Munyonga’s unbeaten eight off three balls, including a six, ensured the target was surpassed in 19.3 overs.

    Sri Lanka’s bowlers found it difficult to contain Zimbabwe’s batters during key phases of the chase. Dushan Hemantha was the most successful, claiming 2 for 36 in four overs, while Wellalage and Shanaka picked up a wicket each.

    Maheesh Theekshana endured a challenging outing, conceding 47 runs in 3.3 overs at an economy rate of 13.40. Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka also struggled to stem the flow of boundaries, allowing Zimbabwe to dictate terms.

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

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