Zimbabwe Top Group B After Colombo Win Over Sri Lanka

By Cricket Correspondent, Colombo

Zimbabwe moved to the top of Group B at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.

Chasing 179, Zimbabwe reached 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs, finishing the chase with three balls to spare. The result means Zimbabwe advance to the Super 8s as Group B leaders, while Sri Lanka will progress as the group’s second-placed side.

How the chase unfolded

The visitors started positively. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett put on 55 in the powerplay, setting a platform for the middle overs. Marumani made 34 off 22 balls before falling, and Zimbabwe then relied on contributions from Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga.

Raza counter-attacked the Sri Lankan spinners, scoring 44 off 24 balls and easing the required run rate. He was dismissed attempting a big hit in the deep. Munyonga finished the game, hitting a six off the final over to seal the victory.

Sri Lanka innings

Sri Lanka posted 178 for 7 after being asked to bat. Opener Pathum Nissanka made a composed 62 off 41 balls and provided the backbone of the innings. A late surge from Pavan Rathnayake — 44 off 25 — added crucial runs in the closing overs.

Bowling for Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani took 2 for 38 and the seamers exploited bounce at times. The Zimbabwe spin bowlers also held firm in the middle overs, conceding only 21 runs in a key four-over spell.

Context and implications

Zimbabwe’s win continues a strong run in the group stage, having earlier beaten Australia. By topping Group B they will face a Super 8 group that includes established sides such as India and the West Indies.

For Sri Lanka, the loss raises questions about their ability to defend totals on flat tracks. The defeat also means they will face a tougher Super 8 draw, alongside teams including New Zealand, Pakistan and England.

“We knew if we stuck to our plans and took the game deep, we had the firepower to win,” Sikandar Raza said at the post-match presentation. “To beat Sri Lanka in their own backyard is special.”