The underdogs are roaring at the T20 World Cup 2026. Zimbabwe delivered a clinical six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday at Colombo’s iconic R Premadasa Stadium, cementing their status as giant-killers after beating Australia earlier.
With three group wins from four (one no-result vs Ireland), Zimbabwe tops the charts heading into Super-8 Group 1 against India, West Indies, South Africa. It all started with an eight-wicket rout of Oman and a 23-run upset over Australia.
Sri Lanka, electing to set a total, managed 178-7. Kusal Perera’s 22 (14) paired with Pathum Nissanka’s masterful 62 (41, 8×4) for 54 in five overs. Mendis (14) helped Nissanka reach the ton, while Ratnayake’s 44 (25, 5×4) boosted the score.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers shone: Muzarabani (2), Evans (2), Cramer (2), Burl (1) restricted the hosts effectively.
In reply, Zimbabwe cruised in 19.3 overs. Openers Bennett and Marumani’s 69 off 8.3 overs was electric. Marumani fell for 34 (26, 5×4, 1×6), Burl added 23 (12, 3×4). The game-changer was Bennett-Raza’s 69-run alliance off 40 balls.
Raza’s 45 (26, 4×6, 2×4) was fireworks, but Bennett’s gritty 63 not out (48, 8×4) ensured victory. Sri Lanka fought back with Chameera (2), Shanaka (1), Wellalage (1). In Group 2 with NZ, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka must regroup, but Zimbabwe’s momentum is unstoppable.