Zimbabwe’s cricketers turned the script in Colombo, clinching a sensational six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026. The R Premadasa Stadium witnessed history as the visitors hunted down 179 in 19.3 overs, with Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 63 steering them home amid a flurry of records.
Electing to bat, Sri Lanka managed 178 for 7, thanks to standouts Pathum Nissanka (62 off 41) and Pavan Rathnayake (44 off 25). The innings showed promise but lacked depth against Zimbabwe’s tight lines.
Zimbabwe’s reply started strongly with a 69-run opening partnership between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (34). Ryan Burl’s 23 off 12 injected pace, before Sikandar Raza’s 45 off 26 formed another 69-run alliance with Bennett. The captain’s aggression complemented Bennett’s composure, sealed by eight fours.
The stats speak volumes: second-highest T20I chase for Zimbabwe, second-best vs Sri Lanka in World Cups, and a tournament-high seven sixes by the team. This victory is their fifth against full members, previously besting Ireland, Pakistan, and Australia twice.
Bennett’s performance ties him with Sean Williams for second-most T20I half-centuries by a Zimbabwe batter (12 each). In a tournament full of favorites, Zimbabwe’s resilience highlights the beauty of T20 cricket, where anything is possible.