Colombo, February 19, 2026 — Just when the cricket world thought they had seen it all, Zimbabwe’s "Chevrons" have done it again. In a tournament already defined by unpredictability, Zimbabwe pulled off their second major upset of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in a high-octane thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
This victory doesn't just mark a win; it cements Zimbabwe's status as the tournament’s "dark horse," as they head into the Super Eights undefeated and at the top of Group B.
The Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 178/7 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe: 182/4 (19.3 overs)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets (with 3 balls to spare)
Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (45 off 26 balls)
Sri Lanka’s Solid Start
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka looked poised for a massive total. Openers Pathum Nissanka (62 off 41) and Kusal Perera (22) provided a flying start, reaching 50 in just 4.1 overs—the fastest team fifty in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup history.
However, Zimbabwe’s veteran spinner Graeme Cremer (2/27) and the towering Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) led a middle-over fightback. Despite a late surge by Pavan Rathnayake, who smashed a quickfire 44 off 25 balls, Sri Lanka finished on 178/7—a competitive but chaseable score on the Colombo surface.
The Chase: Bennett and Raza Lead the Way
Zimbabwe’s pursuit began with authority. Tadiwanashe Marumani (34) and Brian Bennett (63* off 48) shared a 69-run opening stand that silenced the 35,000-strong home crowd.
The real turning point came when captain Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease. With 65 runs needed off the final 6 overs, Raza took the game by the scruff of its neck. Worldbaazi He plundered 20 runs in a single over against Dushan Hemantha, effectively breaking the back of the chase. Though Raza fell in the 19th over for 45, the damage was done.
In the final over, Tony Munyonga dispatched Maheesh Theekshana for a massive six on the first ball, leaving Bennett to hit the winning boundary with three balls to spare.
Why This Matters
Undefeated Run: Zimbabwe enters the Super Eights with a perfect record, having already knocked out heavyweights like Australia earlier in the group stage.
A "Ridiculous" Super Eight Group: Due to pre-determined seedings, Zimbabwe now joins a "Group of Death" in the Super Eights alongside India, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Statement of Intent: This is Zimbabwe’s second-highest successful run chase in T20I history and their fifth win against a Full Member nation in T20 World Cup history.
Captain’s Corner
"We have trained for every situation. We have the right personnel to send in at the right time. Our roles are clear, and that is why you see the confidence in the changing room." — Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe Captain
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will look to regroup as they open their Super Eight campaign against England in Kandy. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe travels to Mumbai to face the West Indies on Monday. If they maintain this momentum, the cricket world might just be looking at a new semi-final contender.
Did you watch the match? Is Zimbabwe your pick for the semi-finals? Let us know in the comments below!
