COLOMBO: Zimbabwe sent yet another thunderbolt through the World Cup T20 on Thursday, proving beyond doubt that their victory over Australia was no stroke of fortune.
The spirited African side stunned hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in a pulsating encounter at the Premadasa Stadium storming to the top of Group B in emphatic fashion.
Chasing a formidable 180-run target under pressure and in front of a packed, shell-shocked Colombo crowd, Zimbabwe displayed nerves of steel and remarkable composure. Powered by a masterclass from Brian Bennett (58 not out) and a blazing cameo from skipper Sikandar Raza (45), the visitors reached 179 in the final over to seal a famous win.
The victory ensured Zimbabwe finished the group stage unbeaten their only dropped point coming from a rain-affected clash against Ireland. With the chase delicately poised, Bennett and Raza combined for a decisive 69-run stand for the third wicket, a partnership that shifted momentum irreversibly in Zimbabwe’s favour.
Bennett, increasingly becoming the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting line-up, crafted a composed half-century off 41 deliveries, peppering the boundary with six crisp fours. Calm under pressure, he anchored the innings while ensuring the required rate never spiraled out of control.
Raza, meanwhile, injected urgency and flair. His breezy 45 off just 26 balls was laced with authority and intent. In a pivotal 15th over, the Zimbabwe captain launched two towering sixes off Dushan Hemantha (2-36), dramatically reclaiming the initiative just when Sri Lanka sensed an opening.
When Raza finally departed with Zimbabwe needing just 11 runs, the job was nearly done. Tony Munyonga (8 not out) provided the finishing touch in style, dispatching Maheesh Theekshana over the ropes for a decisive six to silence the home supporters.
Earlier, Pathum Nissanka continued his rich vein of form with a classy 62, building on his earlier century against Australia. He found useful support from Pavan Rathnayake (44) as Sri Lanka posted a competitive total. However, despite flashes of brilliance, the hosts failed to apply sustained pressure in the closing stages.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers laid the platform for the win. Blessing Muzarabani (2-38) struck crucial blows with his pace and bounce, while veteran spinner Graeme Cremer (2-27) applied the squeeze in the middle overs. Brad Evans (2-35) chipped in with timely breakthroughs to keep Sri Lanka within reach.
Zimbabwe’s triumph was not merely another win, it was a bold statement. Beating Australia may have raised eyebrows, but conquering Sri Lanka in Colombo has firmly established them as genuine contenders.
