Zimbabwe Topples Sri Lanka with Six-Wicket Thrill

News Desk

Colombo: Zimbabwe secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, moving to the top of Group B in the ongoing series, thanks to standout performances from Brian Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza.

Chasing 179 for victory, Zimbabwe reached the target with four wickets down in the final over, after a strong start from openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. The pair put on a brisk 69-run opening partnership before Marumani fell for 34 off 26 balls, including five fours and a six, dismissed by Dunith Wellalage in the ninth over.

Ryan Burl contributed a quick 23 off 12 deliveries, easing the pressure before being removed by Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka. Captain Sikandar Raza then joined Bennett and played aggressively, including back-to-back sixes, to reduce Zimbabwe’s task to 45 runs off the final five overs. The duo added a fiery 50-run stand, with Bennett reaching a stylish half-century.

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Dushan Hemantha broke the partnership in the 19th over, dismissing Raza for 45 off 26 balls and Tashinga Musekiwa for one, giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. However, Tony Munyonga’s towering six and Bennett’s unbeaten 63 off 48 balls, featuring eight fours, sealed the six-wicket win. Munyonga remained unbeaten on eight off three deliveries.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178-7 after a strong start from openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka, who put on a 54-run opening stand. Perera fell for 22 off 14 balls, while Nissanka continued in fine form, scoring his 19th T20I half-century with 62 off 41 deliveries.

Kusal Mendis struggled for strike rotation and was stumped by Ryan Burl for 14, as Sri Lanka slipped to 100-2 in 12.2 overs. Zimbabwe clawed back through Graeme Cremer, who dismissed Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, reducing the hosts to 123-4. Late strikes by Muzarabani and Evans further dented Sri Lanka’s innings.

Pavan Rathnayake provided a late push with 44 off 25 balls, but wickets fell at the other end, leaving Sri Lanka at 164-7 in 19 overs. Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten on 15.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, and Graeme Cremer took two wickets each, while Ryan Burl claimed one. The win propels Zimbabwe to the top of the Group B points table with a commanding performance both with bat and ball.