The R. Premadasa Stadium fell into a stunned silence on Thursday night as Zimbabwe pulled off one of the gutsiest chases in T20 World Cup history. In a high-octane Group B clash, the "Chevrons" chased down a formidable 179-run target against co-hosts Sri Lanka, winning by six wickets with just three balls to spare. This victory isn't just a random upset; it cements Zimbabwe’s place as the tournament’s "giant killers" and sends them into the Super 8 stage with a perfect, unbeaten record.
Match Summary
- Sri Lanka: 178/7 (20 overs)
- Zimbabwe: 182/4 (19.3 overs)
- Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza.
The Brian Bennett Masterclass
Zimbabwe’s pursuit of 179 began with a clear plan: don't let the home side's spinners settle. During the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match, young opener Brian Bennett played the anchor role to perfection, but he wasn't just surviving—he was punishing anything slightly off-length. Bennett’s unbeaten 63 off 48 balls was a clinic in modern T20 batting, mixing clever sweeps with powerful drives over extra cover to keep the scoreboard ticking under immense pressure.
He found the perfect partner in the veteran Sikandar Raza. When the required rate climbed toward 11 runs per over, Raza did what he does best: he counterattacked. In a single over against Dushan Hemantha, Raza hammered two sixes and two boundaries, effectively breaking the back of the chase. His rapid-fire 45 off 26 balls turned a nervous situation into a manageable one, proving once again why he remains the heartbeat of this Zimbabwean side.
A Final Over to Remember
The drama peaked in the final two overs. Sri Lanka seemed to claw back into the game when Hemantha removed both Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa in quick succession during the 19th over. With Zimbabwe needing 8 runs from the final six balls, captain Wanindu Hasaranga turned to his most reliable weapon, Maheesh Theekshana.
However, Tony Munyonga had other ideas. Facing the first ball of the 20th over, Munyonga sat deep in his crease and launched a carrom ball over the long-on boundary for a massive six. With only two runs needed from five balls, the pressure shifted entirely onto the bowler. Two balls later, Bennett flicked a delivery through mid-wicket for a boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the Zimbabwe dugout and leaving the home crowd in disbelief.
Sri Lanka’s Missed Opportunities
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka looked set for a massive total after opting to bat first. Pathum Nissanka was in sublime touch, scoring 62 off 41 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake added a late flourish with a brisk 44. At 150/3 in the 16th over, a score of 200 seemed likely.
However, Zimbabwe’s death bowling was exceptional. Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) and the evergreen Graeme Cremer (2/27) used the variations and slower balls to perfection, conceding only 28 runs in the final four overs. Those saved runs proved to be the difference between a reachable target and an impossible one.
What This Means for the Super 8s
This result is a massive wake-up call for the bigger nations. Zimbabwe finishes Group B at the top of the table, leapfrogging Sri Lanka. By maintaining an undefeated streak—which included an earlier shock win over Australia—Zimbabwe enters the Super 8 stage as a genuine threat rather than a mere participant.
Sri Lanka still progresses to the next round, but their inability to defend a near-180 total on home soil will raise serious questions about their bowling depth. Both teams now head to the Caribbean for the second phase of the tournament, where the stakes will only get higher.
Comments (42)
Great analysis! I think the toss will be crucial. If India bats first and puts up 300+, it's game over for NZ.
Don't underestimate the Black Caps! We've won in India before. Williamson's leadership will make the difference.