Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka, enter Super 8 undefeated

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets and march into the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup with a perfect group-stage record. Chasing a competitive 179 on a slow pitch, Zimbabwe showed remarkable composure and tactical awareness to overhaul the target with three balls to spare.

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The chase began positively, with Brian Bennett and Tadi Marumani putting on 55 in the Power Play and extending their stand to 69. After Marumani’s dismissal, Ryan Burl maintained the tempo with a lively 12-ball 23, including a towering 103-metre six. However, it was Sikandar Raza who truly shifted the momentum. Combining brute force with smart strike rotation, Raza smashed Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana in successive overs to ease the pressure.

Despite suffering cramps late in his innings, Raza ensured Zimbabwe remained in control before falling in the 19th over. With eight needed from the final over, Tony Munyonga’s pulled six put the result beyond doubt.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178 for seven after a brisk start from Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka. Nissanka’s 62 anchored the innings, while Pavan Rathnayake’s late surge added valuable runs. Yet Zimbabwe’s quartet of spinners choked the scoring in the middle overs, conceding just 21 runs across four crucial overs.

Having also beaten Australia earlier in the group stage, Zimbabwe now enter the Super Eights brimming with belief and momentum.

14:32 (IST) Feb 19

TOSS - Both the captains are out in the middle now. The coin goes up and lands in favour of Dasun Shanaka. Sri Lanka elect to BAT first.

14:20 (IST) Feb 19

SL vs ZIM Live Score: SQUADS!

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava.

14:20 (IST) Feb 19

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Live Score: Blessing Muzarabani and bowling unit give Zimbabwe genuine belief

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack has been central to their fairytale run, with veteran pacer Blessing Muzarabani leading from the front. His match-winning spell against Australia, where he dismantled the top order, highlighted Zimbabwe’s ability to defend modest totals and apply pressure.

Supported by a disciplined bowling group, Zimbabwe have consistently punched above their weight.

Facing Sri Lanka in home conditions will be their toughest challenge yet, but their recent exploits have shown they cannot be underestimated.

With nothing to lose and momentum on their side, Zimbabwe will once again look to defy expectations and push one of the tournament favourites in what promises to be a gripping contest.

14:19 (IST) Feb 19

SL vs ZIM T20 World Cup Live Score: Zimbabwe thrive as giant-killers with fearless approach

Zimbabwe’s journey to the Super 8s has been nothing short of inspirational. Their stunning victory over Australia, coupled with a rain-affected result against Ireland, helped them secure qualification and knock out one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Far from being overawed, Zimbabwe have embraced their underdog status and turned it into a strength.

Opener Brian Bennett has led the charge with calm and calculated knocks, while experienced figures like Sikandar Raza and skipper Craig Ervine have ensured stability. Their batting unit has shown resilience and adaptability, proving they can compete against the best on the global stage.

14:19 (IST) Feb 19

SL vs ZIM Live Score: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis power Sri Lanka’s batting surge

Sri Lanka’s batting resurgence has been one of the defining features of their campaign.

Opener Pathum Nissanka’s magnificent century against Australia showcased his composure and strokeplay under pressure, anchoring a difficult chase with authority. Alongside him, Kusal Mendis has been the epitome of consistency, registering fifties in all three group games and providing stability at the top.

However, concerns remain around Kusal Perera, whose prolonged lean run has left Sri Lanka searching for more balance.

Still, with finishers and all-rounders stepping up regularly, Sri Lanka’s batting unit appears deep, versatile, and capable of adapting to any match situation, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.

14:18 (IST) Feb 19

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Live Score: Sri Lanka eye top spot and momentum boost

Already through to the Super 8s, Sri Lanka have bigger ambitions as they face Zimbabwe with the group’s top position on the line.

The Islanders have looked increasingly formidable with every outing, using their familiarity with home conditions to devastating effect. Their eight-wicket demolition of Australia sent a clear message to rivals that this is a side capable of going deep into the tournament.

Led by Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka will be keen to carry forward their winning rhythm, knowing that finishing first could offer a more favourable path in the next stage.

Team confidence has surged after clinical displays across departments, and complacency is unlikely to creep in at such a decisive juncture.

Brian Bennett’s composed unbeaten 63 and Sikandar Raza’s explosive 45 powered Zimbabwe to an impressive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their final Group B clash of the T20 World Cup on Thursday. Chasing 179 on a sluggish surface, Zimbabwe blended patience with power to complete the chase in 19.3 overs and finish the group stage unbeaten.

Zimbabwe laid the foundation early, racing to 55 without loss in the Power Play through Bennett and Tadi Marumani. The opening pair added 69 runs before Marumani fell, but Ryan Burl’s brisk cameo ensured momentum was not lost. The match decisively swung when Raza counter-attacked in the middle overs, smashing key boundaries to reduce the asking rate.

Although Raza fell late and Zimbabwe briefly wobbled, Tony Munyonga’s massive six sealed the win. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178 for seven after Pathum Nissanka’s fluent 62 and a late flourish from Pavan Rathnayake. However, Zimbabwe’s disciplined spin attack stifled the hosts in the middle overs.

Having also defeated Australia earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe enter the Super Eights full of confidence alongside Sri Lanka from Group B.

TOI

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka, enter Super 8 undefeated

Match Statistics

Venue

R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL PLAYING XI

ZIM PLAYING XI

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