In a thrilling display of cricket, Zimbabwe pulled off yet another stunning upset at the T20 World Cup 2026, defeating hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday. This victory marks their second major shock in the group stage, following their earlier triumph over Australia.
Zimbabwe’s campaign has been remarkable. They started with an eight-wicket win against Oman, then stunned Australia by 23 runs. A rain-affected no-result against Ireland did little to dampen their spirits. Now, with three wins from four group games, they advance confidently to the Super-8 stage in Group 1 alongside India, West Indies, and South Africa.
Sri Lanka, batting first after winning the toss, posted 178 for seven in their 20 overs. Openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a brisk 54-run stand in just five overs. Perera fell for 22 off 14 balls, but Nissanka anchored the innings, smashing 62 off 41 balls with eight fours, in company with Kusal Mendis who added 14.
Pavan Ratnayake chipped in with a quickfire 44 off 25 balls, including five boundaries. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struck back effectively: Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, and Graeme Cramer each claimed two wickets, while Ryan Burl took one.
Chasing 179, Zimbabwe raced to victory in 19.3 overs. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid a solid foundation with 69 runs in 8.3 overs. Marumani departed for 34 off 26 balls (5 fours, 1 six), but Bennett continued the charge.
Partnering with Ryan Burl for 29 runs, Bennett pushed the score to 98. Burl made 23 off 12. Then came the decisive stand: Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza added 69 off 40 balls, bringing Zimbabwe to the brink. Raza’s explosive 45 off 26 (4 sixes, 2 fours) ended just short, but Bennett remained unbeaten on 63 off 48 (8 fours), steering his team home.
Sri Lanka’s Dusmantha Chameera took 2-28, with Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage claiming one each. This win boosts Zimbabwe’s morale as they eye Super-8 glory, while Sri Lanka, in Group 2 with New Zealand, England, and Pakistan, faces mounting pressure.