Colombo, Sri Lanka — February 19, 2026

If there were any doubts left about Zimbabwe’s resurgence in world cricket, they were emphatically silenced tonight at the R. Worldbaazi Premadasa Stadium. In a high-stakes encounter that had the Colombo crowd on the edge of their seats, the Chevrons pulled off a magnificent 6-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka, chasing down a formidable 179 to top Group B with a perfect record.

Having already dispatched Australia earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe entered the Super Eights not just as a "surprise package," but as legitimate contenders.

The First Innings: Sri Lanka Sets the Pace

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka looked set for a massive total. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera came out firing, racing to 54 runs in the first five overs. Nissanka, coming off a century against Australia, continued his sublime form with a well-crafted 62 off 41 balls.

However, Zimbabwe’s veteran spinner Graeme Cremer and the towering Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) managed to apply the brakes during the middle overs. Despite a late surge from Pavan Rathnayake, who smashed a quickfire 44, Sri Lanka finished on 178/7. At the halfway mark, most analysts felt the total was "above par" on a surface that was starting to show signs of slowness.

The Chase: Bennett and Raza Take Charge

Zimbabwe’s response was clinical. The young Brian Bennett has been the revelation of the tournament; he anchored the innings with a composed 63 off 48 balls*. Remarkably, Bennett has yet to be dismissed in this World Cup, providing the bedrock upon which Zimbabwe builds its innings.

The momentum truly shifted when captain Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease. With the required rate climbing, Raza played a true captain’s knock, blasting 45 off 26 balls. His assault on the Sri Lankan spinners—including back-to-back sixes off Dushan Hemantha—turned a "tricky chase" into a "controlled pursuit."

The Final Over Drama

Despite losing Raza in the 19th over, Zimbabwe remained calm. Needing 8 runs from the final 6 balls, Tony Munyonga sent the very first delivery from Maheesh Theekshana over the ropes for a massive six. Two balls later, Bennett cracked a boundary to seal the win with three balls to spare.

Match Summary

• Sri Lanka: 178/7 (20 overs) - Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2/27.

• Zimbabwe: 182/4 (19.3 overs) - Brian Bennett 63*, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2/36.

• Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets.

• Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza.

What This Means for the Super Eights

Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run has created a "Group of Death" in the Super Eights. Because of pre-determined tournament seedings, the top-tier table-toppers—India, Zimbabwe, West Indies, and South Africa—will all be fighting for two semi-final spots in the same group.

As Sikandar Raza noted in the post-match presentation: "I don't think anyone gave us a chance... but everyone loves an underdog story."

Zimbabwe now heads to Mumbai to face the West Indies on Monday, while a bruised Sri Lanka will look to bounce back against England in Pallekele. One thing is certain: no one will be taking the Chevrons lightly from here on out.

Are Zimbabwe your pick for a dark horse semi-finalist? Let us know in the comments!