The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has its first major "Giant Killers" story, and it's written in the red and yellow of Zimbabwe. In a thrilling encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 19, Zimbabwe pulled off a sensational 6-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka, proving that their earlier win over Australia was no fluke.

With this win, Zimbabwe finishes the group stage at the top of Group B, entering the Super 8s with an unblemished record and a massive surge of momentum.

The Match Summary

Result: Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets (with 3 balls to spare).

Innings Breakdown: A Tale of Two Halves

Sri Lanka: The Nissanka Show

Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka looked set for a massive total. In-form opener Pathum Nissanka continued his purple patch, smashing 62 off 41 balls. At 93/1 in the 11th over, the co-hosts were cruising. However, Zimbabwe’s veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer turned the tide, removing Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis in quick succession. Despite a late cameo from Pavan Rathnayake (44 off 25), Sri Lanka finished on 178/7—a competitive but arguably sub-par score on a sluggish Colombo track.

Zimbabwe: The Chase of a Lifetime

Zimbabwe’s response was clinical. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a perfect platform with a 69-run opening stand. When the required rate began to climb, captain Sikandar Raza stepped up.

Raza’s explosive 45 off just 26 balls—including a 20-run dismantling of Dushan Hemantha’s over—shifted the pressure back onto the Lankans. Worldbaazi Though Raza fell in the 19th over, 21-year-old Brian Bennett remained a pillar of composure. Bennett finished unbeaten on 63, guiding the Chevrons home after Tony Munyonga calmed nerves with a massive six off the first ball of the final over.

Key Talking Points

1. The Bennett Emergence: Brian Bennett has yet to be dismissed in this tournament. His ability to anchor a chase while maintaining a healthy strike rate has been the backbone of Zimbabwe's success.

2. Sikandar Raza’s Leadership: The skipper’s "never-say-die" attitude was evident. Post-match, Raza noted, "Everyone loves an underdog story," but emphasized that this team is built on clear roles and rigorous training, not just luck.

3. Group B Dominance: By beating both Australia and Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe has effectively reshaped the tournament landscape, topping a group that many expected them to struggle in.

What’s Next?

Zimbabwe now moves to Mumbai to face the West Indies on Monday in their first Super 8 clash. Sri Lanka, despite the loss, also advances and will face England in Kandy on Sunday.

If the group stages are any indication, the "Chevrons" are no longer a team that the big nations can afford to overlook. They aren't just participating in this World Cup; they are here to win it.

Did you watch the match? Is Zimbabwe your dark horse for the title? Let us know in the comments below!