Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe Stun SL With Six-Wicket Win

The victorious skipper of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says things can get even better if his side wins the first game in the Super 8s. He admits that not many people gave them a chance, but expressed his happiness at the victory and the respect they earned from the crowd. Raza reveals that after losing the toss, he reminded his teammates that if they play good cricket, the toss wouldn’t matter. He also notes that the finger spinners were not getting much assistance from the pitch and urged the boys to put Sri Lanka under pressure, believing they were about 10 runs under par. He credits Brian Bennett and Tony Munyonga for getting the job done. Raza adds that the team adjusts the batting order according to the situation, with every player clear about their role. Looking ahead, he says the team will take it one game at a time, with practice sessions helping them prepare better. He hopes they can win two of their next three matches and concludes by saying that everyone loves an underdog story.

The captain of Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka says that they got off to a solid start and felt the total was defendable. Says Pathum and Pavan Rathnayake batted really well, and the plan was to strike early with the ball, but they just could not get those breakthroughs. Credits the opposition, but admits they could have done better, especially in the field. As captain, he took a few risks too. It is good to qualify, but every game matters, and they will look to come back stronger with a better mindset in the next round.

Bowling let them down - Sri Lanka will be disappointed with their bowling effort, especially while defending the highest total at this ground in this World Cup. They failed to find early breakthroughs, and although Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha and Dunith Wellalage managed to strike, the wickets were too few and far between, with too many loose deliveries easing the pressure. Their catching and ground fielding were also below par - areas they will need to quickly address ahead of the Super 8s.

Lanka fire, Zimbabwe respond - Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka posted a strong total on the board, courtesy of a fantastic half-century from Pathum Nissanka, a fiery 44 off 25 from Pavan Rathnayake, and finishing touches from Dunith Wellalage. For Zimbabwe, Graeme Cremer was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani also claimed a brace each but were slightly expensive, and Ryan Burl chipped in with one.

Clinical chase from the Chevrons - Zimbabwe got off to a steady start at 20/0 after three overs before the openers exploded for 35 in the last three overs of the Powerplay, stitching together a 69-run stand with Brian Bennett anchoring one end confidently. Ryan Burl then injected momentum with a brisk cameo, and another 69-run partnership between skipper Sikandar Raza and Bennett put Zimbabwe firmly in control of the chase. Bennett brought up a fine half-century, while Raza smartly picked his moments and managed the match-ups to perfection. Though he fell before the finish line and the game went into the final over, Tony Munyonga held his nerve, smashing a decisive six to all but seal a famous win.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Sikandar Raza wins the award for his quick-fire 45 off 26. He credited the openers for laying a solid foundation before Ryan Burl kept the momentum going in the middle overs. He says that once he found his rhythm, he began calculating the chase in his head and focused on keeping up with the required rate. Although the game went down to the wire, he was pleased to come away with the win. Raza reveals that he kept urging Brian Bennett to capitalize on the loose deliveries and praised him for taking the game deep and remaining unbeaten till the end. He adds that he is excited about the result, looking forward to the next challenge, and feels it’s a great position to be in as captain. He hopes the team can celebrate the victory tonight.

A statement win before Super 8s - A famous win for Zimbabwe as they stay unbeaten in the group stage and seal top spot in style. This has been a terrific campaign, and chasing down 179 under pressure once again showcased their composure. They had successfully overhauled a 174-run target at this venue back in 2024, and adding another big chase here only strengthens the belief that in the Super 8s, Zimbabwe will be there to truly compete.

Dushan Hemantha to Tashinga Musekiwa

OUT! WHAT A CATCH! Dasun Shanaka, you beauty! Flighted delivery, full, and spins away, around off. Tashinga Musekiwa goes hard and looks to power it across the line, but it comes off the cue end and goes high over the mid off region. Dasun Shanaka, from mid on, and Kamil Mishara (sub), from long off, were both running towards the ball. Shanaka, though, keeps on running with his eyes locked on the ball, and he avoids the collision before hanging onto a spectacular catch. 10 needed off 7 balls.

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