Sri Lanka – 178-7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44, Kusal Perera 22; Graeme Cremer 2/27, Brad Evans 2/35, Blessing Muzarabani 2/38) 

Zimbabwe – 182-4 in 19.3 overs (Brian Bennett 63*, Sikandar Raza 45, Tadiwanashe Marumani 34; Dushan Hemantha 2/36, Dasun Shanaka 1/26, Dunith Wellalage 1/27) 

Zimbabwe won by six wickets 

Zimbabwe completed a historic unbeaten run to the top of Group B at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a gripping six-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. 

With both teams already assured of qualification for the Super Eight stage, momentum and supremacy were still at stake – and Zimbabwe underlined their credentials with a composed yet fearless chase of 179. 

They reached 182 for four with three balls to spare to finish the group phase unbeaten. 

At the heart of the pursuit once again was opener Brian Bennett, who maintained his flawless record in the tournament. 

Following his match-winning 64 not out against Australia last week, Bennett produced another innings of substance, compiling an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls to anchor the chase under mounting pressure. 

But this was equally a victory shaped by captain Sikander Raza’s decisive intervention at the critical hour. 

His explosive 45 off 26 balls transformed the contest and earned him the Player of the Match accolade. 

Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, opted to bat and made a blistering start. 

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera surged to 54 in the first five overs, forcing Zimbabwe immediately onto the back foot. 

Blessing Muzarabani provided the breakthrough with a cleverly disguised slower short ball that Perera mistimed to Graeme Cremer to depart for 22. 

Nissanka, in sublime form after his century against Australia earlier in the tournament, continued fluently and added 46 with Kusal Mendis. 

Zimbabwe struck twice in quick succession. 

Ryan Burl’s teasing delivery outside off gripped and spun sharply, allowing wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani to complete a sharp stumping to dismiss Mendis for 14, reducing Sri Lanka to 100 for two. 

Soon after, Nissanka miscued a reverse attempt off Cremer and Tony Munyonga judged a smart catch in the deep to remove him for 62. 

Cremer tightened Zimbabwe’s hold by dismissing Kamindu Mendis for seven to leave the hosts 123 for four. 

Dasun Shanaka fell to Muzarabani for six, but Pavan Rathnayake counterpunched with a brisk 44 off 25 balls to restore momentum. 

Brad Evans struck twice in the penultimate over to remove Rathnayake and Dushan Hemantha in successive deliveries, stalling Sri Lanka’s late surge. 

A final-over flourish from Dunith Wellalage – three boundaries – lifted the total to a competitive 178 for seven. 

Cremer finished with two for 27, while Evans and Muzarabani also claimed two wickets apiece in a disciplined bowling effort. 

Zimbabwe’s reply began confidently. 

Bennett and Marumani shared a 69-run opening stand in under nine overs, laying a solid platform before Wellalage induced a mistimed slog sweep from Marumani, who departed for 34. 

Burl added a brisk 23 but fell at 98 for two in the 12th over, leaving the chase finely poised. 

The defining phase unfolded through the partnership between Bennett and Raza. 

With 65 required from the final six overs, the captain shifted gears emphatically. 

He dismantled Hemantha for 20 runs in a single over, launching two towering sixes and a four to swing the momentum decisively. 

The pressure swung dramatically. 

Raza continued his calculated assault against Mahesh Theekshana, shrinking the equation to 33 from 24 balls and forcing Sri Lanka onto the defensive. 

His 45 off 26 deliveries – punctuated by four sixes and two fours – was a captain’s innings of authority and timing. 

There was still late tension though. 

Raza holed out in the penultimate over and Tashinga Musekiwa followed shortly after, leaving Zimbabwe 169 for four and needing 10 from seven balls. 

With eight required off the final over bowled by Theekshana, Munyonga supplied the calm Zimbabwe required. 

He launched the first delivery high over cow corner for a towering six to all but settle the contest. 

A single levelled the scores before Bennett fittingly stroked the winning runs through the covers to ignite jubilant celebrations. 

Zimbabwe closed on 182 for four, Bennett unbeaten on 63 and Munyonga on eight not out – a chase defined by composure at the top and decisive leadership in the middle. 

The victory ensures Zimbabwe top a Group B that also featured Australia, Ireland and Oman, advancing unbeaten into a formidable Super Eight pool alongside co-hosts India, South Africa and the West Indies. 

ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP – GROUP B POINTS TABLE

Source: Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has appointed an interim technical team to lead the Zimbabwe Women’s national side on their historic tour of New Zealand, where they will make their debut appearance in the ICC Women’s Championship.

Former New Zealand Women international Kate Ebrahim has been named interim head coach for the tour.

She will be assisted by Travor Phiri as interim assistant coach, while Debu Banik of New Zealand joins the squad as bowling consultant.

Pamela Moyo has been appointed physiotherapist, with former Zimbabwe Women international Thandolwenkosi Mlilo serving as team manager, completing the interim backroom staff.

The interim technical team replaces the Walter Chawaguta-led coaching and support staff, who were asked to step aside following Zimbabwe Women’s disappointing performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal in January.

The ZC Board will announce substantive appointments to the Zimbabwe Women’s technical structure in due course.

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the interim arrangements were necessary to provide stability and renewed direction as the team embarks on a landmark chapter.

“We felt it was important to act decisively following the recent T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign,” he said.

“As we enter the ICC Women’s Championship for the first time, this is a significant moment for Zimbabwe Women’s cricket and it demands renewed focus, energy and accountability.

“Kate Ebrahim brings valuable international playing experience, including deep knowledge of New Zealand conditions.

“We believe she is well placed to guide the team during this important tour while we finalise permanent appointments.”

Ebrahim is married to former Zimbabwe international and current Zimbabwe senior men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim.

ZC has also named experienced left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda as interim captain for the New Zealand tour.

Zimbabwe Women will depart Harare this Wednesday for what will be their maiden appearance in the ICC Women’s Championship, which forms part of the 2025-2029 cycle – the fourth edition of the competition and the main qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.

The tour begins with a three-match T20 International series against New Zealand women’s national cricket team at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 25 and 27 February and 1 March, providing Zimbabwe Women valuable time to acclimatise to local conditions.

The focus will then shift to Dunedin for three One-Day Internationals at the University of Otago Oval on 5, 8 and 11 March 2026.

The ODIs will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship standings.

Zimbabwe Women secured their place in the championship following its expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024 – a move reflecting the steady growth of the women’s game in the country.

Under the current format, each of the 11 participating teams will contest eight three-match ODI series – four home and four away – across the cycle.

According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Zimbabwe Women will travel to New Zealand, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland. Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe have etched their name into the history books by advancing to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup for the very first time. Their qualification was confirmed after rain washed out their final Group B clash against Ireland on Tuesday, leaving them with 5 points and a healthy net run rate of +1.984.

The foundation of Zimbabwe’s campaign was built on consistent and commanding performances. They opened with a confident eight-wicket victory over Oman, setting the tone for their group stage journey. The highlight came in their 23-run triumph over Australia, a result that showcased their discipline, tactical clarity, and ability to rise to the occasion against one of the tournament’s heavyweights. That win placed them firmly in control of their group standings and proved decisive in securing their progression.

With momentum on their side, Zimbabwe now turn their focus to co-hosts Sri Lanka in their concluding group fixture on Thursday. While their place in the Super Eight is already assured, the team will be eager to carry forward the energy and belief that has defined their campaign so far.

This qualification marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean cricket, underlining their growth and resilience on the world stage. Their journey into the next round is not just historic, it is thoroughly earned.