T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket fraternity reacts as Zimbabwe pull off sensational chase to stun Sri Lanka in Colombo

Zimbabwe chased down the target of 179 in 19.3 overs.

Zimbabwe topped the Group B by beating Sri Lanka | Getty

Zimbabwe registered a stunning six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their final Group B T20 World Cup 2026 clash at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Thursday (February 19).

Opting to bat, Pathum Nissanka hammered eight fours en route to 41-ball 62 and Pavan Rathnayake slammed 25-ball 44 in the back end to propel the hosts to 178/7 in 20 overs.

In reply, Brian Bennett (63* off 48) hit a fifty and skipper Sikandar Raza (45 off 26) provided the needed acceleration as Zimbabwe to overhaul the target with three deliveries to spare.

Earlier, Graeme Cremer (2/27), Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) and Brad Evans (2/35) claimed two wickets each for Zimbabwe. Both the teams have qualified for the Super 8 phase of the tournament, with Zimbabwe finishing as the group topper.

Cricket fraternity lauded the Zimbabwean team for pulling off a sensational chase in their last group match.

Here are the reactions:

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 19 Feb, 2026

    Share Via