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Zimbabwe (182/4) edge past Sri Lanka (178/7) to top Group B of T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket Warrior

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At first glance, this fixture carries little weight in terms of qualification, with the Super Eights line-up already confirmed. However, with both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe unbeaten so far, it presents an intriguing chance for the two sides to cross paths before the next stage begins.

For context, one of these teams failed to progress this far in the 2024 edition, while the other did not even qualify for the tournament. In that sense, this campaign already marks progress for both. But as Sikandar Raza remarked after Zimbabwe’s washout against Ireland, merely reaching the Super Eights is not the ultimate goal for his side.

Zimbabwe have already made headlines by sending Australia packing early, and they will aim to carry that momentum into India for the next phase. Backed by two commanding victories, with contributions coming from across the squad, a win over the co-hosts would not only boost their confidence but also secure them top spot in Group B.

Standing in their way is a dominant Sri Lankan outfit, fresh from one of their most emphatic T20 World Cup victories in recent memory. Pathum Nissanka has delivered what could well be the innings of the tournament, Kusal Mendis has been in scintillating touch, and Pavan Rathnayake has emerged as a surprise performer at No. 4.

That said, Sri Lanka have had to contend with injury setbacks. The latest blow sees Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of the competition, adding to the earlier loss of Wanindu Hasaranga. The co-hosts will be eager to avoid any further disruptions as they look to maintain momentum and build towards the marquee clashes ahead.

Squads:

Zimbabwe
Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pramod Madushan

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Sri Lanka have won the toss and have opted to bat

Teams:

Zimbabwe
(Playing XI): Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan
 
Sri Lanka finished their innings at 178/7 with Pathum Nissanka once again the top scorer for them with 62 runs.
 
Zimbabwe is serious. playing well. cant see zimbabar doing well against these guys this time
 
Am watching Zimb vs SL.

Zimb doing really well. In India matches, our spectators donot clap when opposition hits fours, which is pathetic and i wish as an Indian this would not be the case, and we at least showed our appreciation with a few claps.

But SL are also the same. The Zimb boys are going hammer and tongs, but no applause for their boundaries.

Yet we get bagged big time on this aspect.

that said i always like SL grounds and atmosphere, i feel its the best in Asia. There's always a band going somewhere in the grounds - but tht band is silent currently as Zimb bashing SL all around colombo : ) :cobra :ua
 
This marumani is playing very well. He did decently against Australia as well.

Lol imagine if zimbabwe beats india. Hahah
That would be epic.One can hope hahaha
 
Watching Zim boys put on a show reminds me how bad Pakistan team regressed in last 5 years. Match against Zim will be a tough one for us.
 
Sikandar Raza type personality is the one who should be running Pak cricket. I genuinely root for this guy, why a inspiration 👍
 
Batting first in Premadasa is an instant win. The pitch gets slower in the second half and shots become difficult to time as the game goes on.

We need to be wary of this on Saturday. If NZ bat first, the power play bowling has to be perfect from us and we can’t let them run away at 10 runs per over in the first 6-7 overs.

Pakistan suffered the same against India, so did Zimbabwe today when Sri Lanka got off to a flyer.
 
Batting first in Premadasa is an instant win. The pitch gets slower in the second half and shots become difficult to time as the game goes on.

We need to be wary of this on Saturday. If NZ bat first, the power play bowling has to be perfect from us and we can’t let them run away at 10 runs per over in the first 6-7 overs.

Pakistan suffered the same against India, so did Zimbabwe today when Sri Lanka got off to a flyer.
Are you watching same game? Zimbabwe is winning the match. :kp
 
Batting first in Premadasa is an instant win. The pitch gets slower in the second half and shots become difficult to time as the game goes on.

We need to be wary of this on Saturday. If NZ bat first, the power play bowling has to be perfect from us and we can’t let them run away at 10 runs per over in the first 6-7 overs.

Pakistan suffered the same against India, so did Zimbabwe today when Sri Lanka got off to a flyer.
Pakistan have issue with upfront bowling.
They lack proper wicket taking options right now.
 
Srilanka bowling is nothing without Hasranga and pathirana. They won't win any match in super-8 if they bat First. :kp
 
Without Hasaranga. Sri Lanka's bowling is weak. Aside from Chameera all bowlers can be targeted.

Their batting is top heavy as well
 
Much better game awareness and mindset than Pakistan . Pakistan need to learn from zimbus
 
Brian bennet is very impressive as well.He has batting average of 35 and strike rate of 142 in T20is.
Very important player for zimbabwe.
 
Apart from top 4 Zimbabwe batting is non existent and very reliant on Raza to provide them acceleration in the innings.
 
What a turnaround this by Zimbabwe, the ancient horse (one of the early teams in World Cricket). This team was out of ICC status (the 9th team for so long) just like 9 planets of Solar System! Zimbabwe's decline always reminding me of Pluto's omission/degradation from the planets-list! This will be real underdog story if Zimbabwe go on to win this World Cup to prove their worth again!
 
What a turnaround this by Zimbabwe, the ancient horse (one of the early teams in World Cricket). This team was out of ICC status (the 9th team for so long) just like 9 planets of Solar System! Zimbabwe's decline always reminding me of Pluto's omission/degradation from the planets-list! This will be real underdog story if Zimbabwe go on to win this World Cup to prove their worth again!
Pluto should take inspiration from Zimbabwe and make a comeback. :yk :inti
 
All the teams in Super-8 G1 have won all their four matches in the group stage.

India (4-0)
South Africa (4-0)
Westindies (4-0)
Zimbabwe (4-0)

Group of death.

:kp
 
Zimbabwe is playing like the old Pakistan template.

1. Bennett = Babar
2. Muramani = Rizwan
3. Burl = Hafeez
4. Raza = Iftikhar
5. Munyonga = Asif Ali
 
Zimbabwe has just sent a message to India
Never take them lightly, ZIM team is really good.
Openers are not defensive and playing aggressive cricket to make the most of the powerplay. Marumani is impressive, and I like his footwork. Bennett is a consistent batsman. Raza is a key player in both batting and bowling, and they have covered all bases in their bowling attack.
 
And he's actually doing this because Sikandar Raza asked him to anchor through their batting innings. That's their plan.

He can actually score a bit quicker
For sure. His SR since the last World Cup is 145.

They've played some incredibly smart cricket in both their matches against the top teams. Even in the Australia match everyone (myself included) was criticizing their approach. But they have gauged the conditions perfectly and done what needed to be done on the pitch.

I suspect we might see him bat quicker when they get to India.
 
Sri Lanka's bowling is a joke.

Free 2 points for Pakistan, England & New Zealand in Super 8's.

Btw well played Zimbabwe, hope you qualify for semi-finals like Afghanistan in 2024.
 
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