Colombo : Zimbabwe national cricket team sent a warning to the heavyweights in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by beating co-hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team by six wickets on Thursday to finish top of Group B.
Chasing 179 in Colombo, Zimbabwe reached 182-4 with three balls to spare, with opener Brian Bennett scoring an unbeaten 63 and captain Sikandar Raza blasting 45 off 26 balls.
“I am pretty excited with how we have gone about our business,” player of the match Raza said. “We are unbeaten so far … nice position to be in as a captain but I will try and enjoy at least tonight.”
Zimbabwe, who stunned Australia last week, won three of their four group matches, with their clash against Ireland washed out. The result meant Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Eights, while Australia were eliminated.
Sri Lanka, already through after defeating Australia on Monday, opted to bat first and posted 178-7, with opener Pathum Nissanka scoring 62. Two-wicket hauls from Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Graeme Cremer kept the hosts in check.
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (34) put on 69 for the opening wicket to lay the foundation for the chase. Raza struck four sixes and two fours in his 45, leaving Zimbabwe 12 runs short with 10 balls remaining. Bennett sealed victory with a drive to mid-off.
Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2024 edition, are the only side in this year’s Super Eights to have reached the tournament through a continental qualifying event.
Sri Lanka will face England, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group Two of the Super Eights, while Zimbabwe join holders India, South Africa and West Indies in Group One.
