In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Zimbabwe national cricket team produced a stunning performance to beat Sri Lanka national cricket team by 6 wickets in their Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 19, 2026. Zimbabwe’s win was not only impressive but also secured their place in the Super Eight stage unbeaten in the group.
📊 Match Summary
📍 Match: Group B – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
📅 Date: February 19, 2026
📍 Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
🟡 Sri Lanka Innings
- Sri Lanka 178/7 (20 overs)
- Top scorers: Pathum Nissanka – 62 runs, Pavan Rathnayake – 44 runs
- Key bowlers for Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer 2/27, Brad Evans 2/35
🔵 Zimbabwe Chase
- Zimbabwe 182/4 (19.3 overs) — won by 6 wickets
- Chasing a target of 179, Zimbabwe completed the run chase with 3 balls to spare.
- Brian Bennett (63 off 48)* and Sikandar Raza (45 off 26) were the main architects of the Zimbabwe victory.
🏆 Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza – for his all-round impact and crucial innings in the chase.
🔥 How the Game Unfolded
🏏 Sri Lanka’s Batting Effort
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first. They put up a competitive total of 178/7, with Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a confident half-century. Despite a bright start, Sri Lanka couldn’t accelerate sufficiently in the later overs, thanks to disciplined bowling from Zimbabwe’s attack.
🏃♂️ Zimbabwe’s Chase
Zimbabwe crafted an outstanding chase under pressure. Brian Bennett’s unbeaten knock helped steady the innings, while Sikandar Raza’s aggressive strokeplay kept the required rate in check. Zimbabwe’s batting depth showed as they paced the chase intelligently and reached the target in the 20th over.
This successful run chase showcased Zimbabwe’s growing confidence and ability to compete with established teams in major ICC events. Their unbeaten run in the group stage has been one of the biggest stories of this T20 World Cup.
🏆 Key Performances
⭐ Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka: 62 – Led the scoring for Sri Lanka.
- Pavan Rathnayake: 44 – Provided crucial middle-order support.
⭐ Zimbabwe
- Brian Bennett (63)* – Anchored the chase with a calm, high-impact innings.
- Sikandar Raza (45) – Fast and aggressive, keeping Zimbabwe in control during the run chase.
📊 Match Impact & Standings
Zimbabwe’s victory over Sri Lanka was a defining result. It not only boosted their confidence but also placed them at the top of Group B, progressing to the Super Eight stage unbeaten. The result will add pressure on other teams looking to qualify from the group, including Australia and Ireland.
Sri Lanka, despite the loss, also advances to the Super Eight with strong performances in earlier matches. However, the defeat highlights areas they must improve, especially in closing out high-pressure games against resilient opponents.
❓ F & Q – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup
Q1: What was the final score?
✅ Sri Lanka 178/7 (20 overs) vs Zimbabwe 182/4 (19.3 overs) — Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets.
Q2: Who were the top performers?
⭐ Brian Bennett (63), Sikandar Raza (45)* for Zimbabwe; Pathum Nissanka (62) for Sri Lanka.
Q3: What did this win mean?
This victory secured Zimbabwe’s place in the Super Eight stage unbeaten and strengthened their status as a rising team in global T20 cricket.
Q4: Where was the match played?
At the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Q5: Who was the Player of the Match?
⭐ Sikandar Raza – for his crucial contribution in Zimbabwe’s successful chase.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 was a classic example of the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket. Zimbabwe’s impressive chase against the hosts showed determination, strategic batting, and bold decision-making — a performance that will be remembered by fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more match reports and in-depth cricket coverage! 🏏