ICC Men's T20 World Cup | Bennett, Raza Power Zimbabwe to Six-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka

Match Report

Zimbabwe produced a commanding batting performance to defeat Sri Lanka national cricket team by six wickets in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group-stage clash, successfully chasing down a competitive total of 182 with three balls to spare.

Replying to Sri Lanka’s 181, Zimbabwe rode on a fluent half-century from Brian Bennett and a composed yet aggressive knock from captain Sikandar Raza to seal victory at 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs. The win propelled Zimbabwe to the top of their group standings, strengthening their position in the tournament.

Sri Lanka Post 181

Earlier, Sri Lanka put up a challenging total on the board after opting to bat. Their top and middle order contributed with brisk partnerships, ensuring the innings maintained momentum through the middle overs. Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to cross the 180-run mark, a score considered competitive on most T20 surfaces.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, though tested, managed to restrict further damage in the death overs to keep the target within reach.

Bennett Sets the Tone

Chasing 182, Zimbabwe needed a solid start, and Brian Bennett delivered exactly that. The right-hander struck a well-compiled 63, blending aggression with smart strike rotation. He attacked loose deliveries, found the boundaries at crucial moments and kept the required run rate under control.

Bennett’s innings laid the foundation for the chase, ensuring Zimbabwe remained ahead of the asking rate during the powerplay and middle overs.

Raza’s Captain’s Knock

With the chase entering a crucial phase, skipper Sikandar Raza stepped up to provide the acceleration Zimbabwe required. His 45-run knock was marked by calculated risks and timely boundaries. Raza shifted gears when the match demanded urgency, ensuring Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to build sustained pressure.

His leadership from the front proved decisive as Zimbabwe approached the target with confidence in the closing stages.

Clinical Finish

Zimbabwe maintained composure in the final overs, reaching 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs to complete a memorable six-wicket win. The successful chase not only showcased their batting depth but also underlined their ability to handle high-pressure situations in major tournaments.

What This Means for the Group

The victory pushes Zimbabwe to the top of their group, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the next stage. With momentum on their side, the team will look to carry forward the confidence gained from this crucial win.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat raises questions about their bowling execution in the latter stages and their ability to defend competitive totals.

As the T20 World Cup intensifies, Zimbabwe’s spirited performance sends a strong message to the rest of the contenders — they are not just participants, but genuine challengers.