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    T20 World Cup 2026: Fans go berserk as Zimbabwe thump Sri Lanka to remain unbeaten in Group B

    Ironside Sports MediaBy No Comments5 Mins Read

    Zimbabwe produced a medical run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets within the thirty eighth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Chasing a aggressive goal of 179, Zimbabwe reached 182/4 in 19.3 overs, sealing a memorable win with three balls to spare in a pulsating contest.

    After Sri Lanka posted 178/7 of their 20 overs, Zimbabwe’s high and center order mixed with composure and calculated aggression to finish one in every of their most spectacular chases of the event.

    Sri Lanka put up 178/7 after regular top-order contributions

    Opting to bat first after successful the toss, Sri Lanka acquired off to a brisk begin. Pathum Nissanka led the cost with a fluent 62 off 41 balls, hanging eight boundaries and sustaining a strike charge above 150. His intent through the powerplay ensured Sri Lanka reached 61 runs within the first six overs.

    Kusal Perera added early momentum with 22 from 14 deliveries, together with 4 crisp boundaries, earlier than falling to Blessing Muzarabani. The opening stand of 54 laid a stable basis, however Zimbabwe’s bowlers steadily tightened their grip.

    Kusal Mendis struggled for fluency, managing 14 from 20 balls earlier than being stumped off Ryan Burl. The center overs noticed Zimbabwe claw again by means of disciplined spin bowling, with Graeme Cremer delivering a key spell. Cremer completed with spectacular figures of two for 27 in 4 overs, eradicating each Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis at essential junctures.

    Pavan Rathnayake supplied late acceleration with a dynamic 44 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka misplaced wickets in clusters through the demise overs, slipping from 164/6 to 164/7 within the house of two deliveries.

    Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans claimed two wickets every, making certain Sri Lanka didn’t breach the 180-mark. Regardless of Dunith Wellalage’s unbeaten 15 off eight balls, Sri Lanka’s complete of 178/7 appeared aggressive however not overwhelming on a batting-friendly floor.

    Zimbabwe’s calm and calculated chase of 179

    Zimbabwe started their chase positively, reaching 55 within the necessary powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed a energetic 34 off 26 balls, together with 5 fours and a six, earlier than falling to Dunith Wellalage at 69/1.

    Brian Bennett anchored the innings fantastically. The proper-hander remained unbeaten on 63 from 48 deliveries, hanging eight boundaries. His regular presence ensured Zimbabwe maintained management even when wickets fell on the different finish.

    Ryan Burl injected momentum into the chase with a quickfire 23 off simply 12 balls. His aggressive cameo lifted Zimbabwe to 98/2 earlier than Dasun Shanaka dismissed him. Nevertheless, the match-defining partnership got here between Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza.

    Raza delivered a captain’s knock, smashing 45 from 26 balls at a strike charge exceeding 170. His innings featured 2 fours and 4 towering sixes, turning the sport decisively in Zimbabwe’s favor. The duo added 69 runs for the third wicket, taking Zimbabwe inside touching distance of victory.

    Though Raza fell within the nineteenth over, Zimbabwe required solely a handful of runs. Tony Munyonga’s unbeaten eight off three balls, together with a six, ensured the target was surpassed in 19.3 overs.

    Sri Lanka’s bowlers discovered it tough to include Zimbabwe’s batters throughout key phases of the chase. Dushan Hemantha was essentially the most profitable, claiming 2 for 36 in 4 overs, whereas Wellalage and Shanaka picked up a wicket every.

    Maheesh Theekshana endured a difficult outing, conceding 47 runs in 3.3 overs at an financial system charge of 13.40. Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka additionally struggled to stem the circulate of boundaries, permitting Zimbabwe to dictate phrases.

    Additionally WATCH: Ryan Burl’s magical leg spin results in Kusal Mendis’ stumping during SL vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 clash

    Right here’s how followers reacted:

    Additionally READ: What can cease India in T20 World Cup 2026? Ryan ten Doeschate explains forward of Tremendous 8 vs South Africa





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