Sri Lanka Innings – Nissanka Leads the Charge
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 178/7 in 20 overs, building a competitive total through steady partnerships.
Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a fluent 62, providing stability at the top. The middle order contributed useful cameos, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers controlled the run rate during key phases.
Tight spells in the death overs prevented Sri Lanka from pushing beyond the 180-run mark, keeping the target within reach.
Zimbabwe Chase – Bennett Anchors Clinical Run Chase
Chasing 179, Zimbabwe approached the target with composure and smart shot selection.
Brian Bennett played a match-defining unbeaten knock of 63, guiding the chase with maturity and calculated aggression. He found support from the middle order, ensuring the required run rate never spiraled out of control.
Despite Sri Lanka picking up a few wickets in the middle overs, Zimbabwe maintained momentum. A controlled finish in the final overs saw them reach 182/4 in 19.3 overs, sealing the victory with three balls to spare.
Key Turning Point
The decisive moment came during the latter half of the chase when Bennett accelerated after settling in. His boundary burst shifted the pressure back onto Sri Lanka and ensured Zimbabwe stayed ahead of the asking rate.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 178/7 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe: 182/4 (19.3 overs)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets
Match Impact
The win significantly strengthened Zimbabwe’s position in Group B and highlighted their growing confidence in high-pressure situations. Successfully chasing a competitive total against a strong side like Sri Lanka showcased their batting depth and composure.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe’s balanced performance with both bat and ball proved decisive. Brian Bennett’s calm yet impactful innings ensured a memorable victory, marking one of the standout performances of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.