Zimbabwe national cricket team continued their dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a commanding six-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team in Colombo on Thursday, sealing an unbeaten finish in the group stage and carrying strong momentum into the Super Eights.
Chasing a competitive target of 179 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe reached 182-4 with three balls to spare in a composed run chase against the former champions.
The world No.11 side had already turned heads earlier in the tournament by defeating Australia national cricket team. They also registered a win over Oman national cricket team, while their fixture against Ireland national cricket team was washed out earlier this week.
Zimbabwe faced a challenging equation of 65 runs required from 36 deliveries before skipper Sikandar Raza shifted the momentum dramatically. The all-rounder smashed 20 runs in a single over from leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, including two towering sixes and a boundary.
Raza stitched together a crucial 69-run stand off 40 balls for the third wicket with opener Brian Bennett. Although the captain departed for a brisk 45 in the 19th over, Bennett remained unbeaten on 63 to steer his side to victory.
With eight runs needed from the final over, Tony Munyonga eased the pressure by dispatching the first delivery from Maheesh Theekshana for six before Bennett struck the winning boundary.
“We have trained for every situation and have the right personnel to step in at the right time,” said Raza after being named Player of the Match. “That clarity in roles is reflected in the confidence within the dressing room.”
Earlier, after electing to bat, Pathum Nissanka once again anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with a solid 62 off 47 deliveries. It marked his seventh T20 World Cup half-century, drawing him level with Mahela Jayawardene for the most fifties by a Sri Lankan in the tournament’s history.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis remained optimistic about Sri Lanka’s prospects in the next round, stating the team is now focused on securing a semi-final spot.
Sri Lanka will begin their Super Eights campaign against England cricket team in Kandy on Sunday, while Zimbabwe are set to take on the West Indies cricket team in Mumbai on Monday.
