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COLOMBO: Captain Sikandar Raza smashed a decisive late cameo as Zimbabwe pulled off a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka with three balls to spare in their Group B clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Thursday.
Chasing 179 under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe rode on an unbeaten 63 from Brian Bennett and a blistering 45 off 26 balls from Raza to finish on 182/4 in 19.3 overs, securing two crucial points and denting the hosts’ campaign.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 178/7 after electing to bat first, powered by Pathum Nissanka’s fluent 62 off 41 deliveries and a brisk 44 from Pavan Rathnayake.
Zimbabwe’s chase began with authority as Bennett and wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani put on 69 for the opening wicket, taking 55 runs from the powerplay without loss. Marumani struck five fours and a six in his 34 before falling to Dunith Wellalage, but the early momentum ensured the asking rate never spiralled out of control.
Ryan Burl added a punchy 23 from 12 balls to keep the pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers, who struggled for consistency on a surface that offered little assistance once the shine wore off.
With 65 required from the last six overs, Raza shifted gears. The Zimbabwe skipper launched Maheesh Theekshana and Dushan Hemantha for towering sixes, racing to 40 off just 24 balls and bringing up a 50-run stand with Bennett in 27 deliveries. His innings, featuring four sixes and two boundaries, tilted the contest decisively.
Hemantha briefly sparked hope for the hosts by dismissing Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa in the 18th over, but Bennett held his nerve. The opener reached his half-century off 41 balls and remained unbeaten as Tony Munyonga struck the winning runs, sealing victory with three balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers failed to contain the flow at the death, with Theekshana conceding 47 runs in 3.3 overs and Hemantha’s two wickets proving insufficient to stem Zimbabwe’s charge.
Earlier, Nissanka anchored Sri Lanka’s innings after a brisk 54-run opening stand with Kusal Perera. Nissanka reached his fifty in 34 balls, striking eight boundaries, but Zimbabwe fought back through their spinners in the middle overs.
Graeme Cremer delivered a tidy spell of 2-27, removing Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, while Blessing Muzarabani claimed two key wickets, including Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka. Despite Rathnayake’s late acceleration, Sri Lanka managed only 70 runs in the final eight overs as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling in the middle phase ensured the target remained within reach, setting the stage for Raza’s late assault.
The result hands Zimbabwe two points in Group B and throws the pool wide open, while Sri Lanka leave Colombo empty-handed after a contest that swung on fine margins under the lights.
The win helped Zimbabwe finish at the group summit with seven points while Sri Lanka ended as runners-up with six points.
Summarised scores: Sri Lanka, 178/7 (20 overs), RR 8.90, Pathum Nissanka 62 (41), Pavan Rathnayake 44 (25), Dunith Wellalage 15* (8), Graeme Cremer 2/27, Blessing Muzarabani 2/38, Brad Evans 2/35, Extras 8
Zimbabwe, 182/4 (19.3 overs), RR 9.33, Target 179, Brian Bennett 63* (48), Sikandar Raza 45 (26), Tadiwanashe Marumani 34 (26), Ryan Burl 23 (12), Dushan Hemantha 2/36, Dunith Wellalage 1/27, Extras 8
Result, Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets, with 3 balls remaining
Player of the Match, Sikandar Raza
