A colossal upset rocked T20 World Cup 2026 as Zimbabwe dismantled Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in Colombo. At R. Premadasa, the hosts batted first to 178/7, but their bowlers crumbled, allowing a comfortable chase completed with 3 balls left.
Dasun Shanaka was direct in defeat. ‘We aimed for wickets up front with the ball – plain and simple. No luck there. Integrating new pacers is tricky, but I’m not dodging responsibility. Better bowling was possible. My experiments flopped,’ the captain analyzed.
Kudos went to Pathum Nissanka (62 off 41) and Pavan Rathnayake (44 off 25 with 3x4s, 2x6s) for a solid platform. Zimbabwe countered via Brian Bennett’s 63* (48 balls) and captain Sikandar Raza’s 45 (26 balls).
Super 8 qualification intact for both, Sri Lanka must address bowling leaks. Shanaka’s candid words signal resolve for redemption.