History repeated itself for Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup 2026 as they orchestrated a second seismic upset, thrashing Sri Lanka by six wickets on Thursday in Colombo. After toppling Australia, this win at R Premadasa Stadium underscores their group-stage dominance: three victories, one rain-abandoned match.
Kicking off with Oman’s scalp by eight wickets and Australia’s by 23 runs, rain spared Ireland. Super-8 Group 1 pits them against India, West Indies, South Africa.
Sri Lanka batted first post-toss, amassing 178-7. Perera-Nissanka’s 54-run blitz in five overs featured Perera’s 22 (14) and Nissanka’s 62 (41, 8×4). Mendis (14) aided the 100-mark crossing; Ratnayake’s 44 (25, 5×4) followed.
Muzarabani, Evans, Cramer (2 each), Burl (1) dismantled the lineup.
Zimbabwe’s pursuit was masterful, over in 19.3 overs. Bennett-Marumani’s 69 in 8.3 overs ignited hopes; Marumani 34 (26, 5×4, 1×6), Burl 23 (12, 3×4). Bennett-Raza’s 69 off 40 was pivotal, Raza blasting 45 (26, 4×6, 2×4).
Bennett’s 63* (48, 8×4) triumphed. Chameera (2), Shanaka, Wellalage (1 each) resisted. Sri Lanka’s Group 2 tilt with New Zealand, England, Pakistan faces scrutiny, while Zimbabwe surges ahead.