Defying all odds, Zimbabwe delivered a masterclass in chasing, overpowering Sri Lanka by six wickets in a T20 World Cup 2026 thriller at R Premadasa Stadium. The 179-run target fell in 19.3 overs for the loss of four wickets, accompanied by a cascade of groundbreaking records that will be remembered for years.
Sri Lanka’s 178 for 7 was built on Pathum Nissanka’s explosive 62 (41 balls) and Pavan Rathnayake’s 44 (25 balls), but regular strikes from Zimbabwe bowlers capped the scoring.
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid the foundation with 69 runs. Marumani made 34, Ryan Burl blasted 23 off 12, and Sikandar Raza’s 45 off 26 paired perfectly with Bennett’s unbeaten 63 (48 balls, 8×4). The duo’s 69-run stand proved decisive.
Milestones included Zimbabwe’s second-largest T20I chase, second vs Sri Lanka in World Cups, and a record seven sixes in a T20 WC innings. It’s their fifth full-member conquest, joining prior wins against Ireland, Pakistan, and double over Australia.
Bennett equals Sean Williams’ 12 T20I fifty-plus innings, cementing his legacy. This upset underscores Zimbabwe’s growing threat, promising more excitement in the road to the finals.