Zimbabwe are one of the favorites to win the T20 World Cup of Cricket and are chasing a target of 179 points to defeat Sri Lanka, who are co-hosts of the tournament.
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Published February 19, 2026
Zimbabwe finished the group stage of the T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka to top Group B and send a warning to the powerhouses who had advanced to the Super Eight.
Africans opener Brian Bennett scored an unbeaten 63 runs and captain Sikandar Raza scored 45 runs as Zimbabwe, who stunned Australia last week, chased a target of 179 with three balls to spare on Thursday.
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The result shocked the home supporters at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and handed Sri Lanka their first defeat of the cricket season, with both teams having already qualified for the Super Eights.
“I’m very excited about how we’ve been operating,” said Most Valuable Player Raza. “We’re undefeated so far…It’s a great position to be in as captain, but at least we’re going to enjoy tonight.”
Zimbabwe won three of their four group games but lost Tuesday’s game against Ireland, meaning Zimbabwe qualified for the Super 8s with Australia eliminated.
Sri Lanka, who secured their spot in the Super 8s with Monday’s win over Australia, opted to take the lead, with opener Pathum Nissanka leading the way with a knock of 62 to make it 178-7.
In Colombo, two-wicket goals from Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Graham Kramer kept Sri Lanka in check, with Bennett setting the stage for the chase with a 69-run opening partnership with Tadiwanashe Malmani (34).
Raza hit four sixes and two boundaries to score 45 off 26 balls, leaving Zimbabwe 12 short with 10 balls remaining. Bennett scored the winning run with a drive to mid-off to put his team up 182-4.
Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2024 tournament, are the only team in this year’s Super Eight to reach the T20 World Cup through the continental tournament.
Sri Lanka will face England, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 8s, while Zimbabwe will be drawn alongside India, South Africa and West Indies in Group 1.
Zimbabwe will play West Indies on Monday, a day after Sri Lanka play England.
