Zimbabwe remain unbeaten with thrilling win over Sri Lanka

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 19, 2026

Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in Colombo to remain unbeaten in the tournament and end the hosts’ perfect group-stage run.

Chasing 179 on a slow surface, Zimbabwe reached 182/4 in 19.3 overs thanks to a match-winning partnership between Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett.

Although both teams had already qualified for the Super Eights, Zimbabwe showed strong form ahead of the next stage. Sri Lanka posted 178/7 after opting to bat first.

Pathum Nissanka continued his impressive form with 62 runs, while Pavan Rathnayake added a quick 44 to boost the total in the final overs.

Zimbabwe’s spin attack, led by Graeme Cremer, helped restrict Sri Lanka during the middle overs. In reply, Zimbabwe made a confident start as openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers in the PowerPlay.

Marumani was later dismissed, but Bennett continued his fine run, scoring an unbeaten 63, his second straight half-century of the tournament.

With the chase tightening, Raza changed the momentum with a rapid 45 off 26 balls, hitting crucial sixes to swing the match in Zimbabwe’s favour.

Sri Lanka briefly fought back with two late wickets, but Tony Munyonga struck a decisive six in the final over before Bennett sealed the victory.

The win keeps Zimbabwe unbeaten heading into the Super Eights, while Sri Lanka suffered their first defeat of the competition despite already securing qualification.