Online Reporter
SIKANDAR Raza and his men have become the first Zimbabwean team to finish top of a group at a World Cup.
They completed a historic unbeaten run to the top of Group B at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a gripping six-wicket victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.
With both teams already assured of qualification for the Super Eight stage, momentum and supremacy were still at stake – and Zimbabwe underlined their credentials with a composed yet fearless chase of 179.
They reached 182 for four with three balls to spare to finish the group phase unbeaten.
At the heart of the pursuit once again was opener Brian Bennett, who maintained his flawless record in the tournament.
Following his match-winning 64 not out against Australia last week, Bennett produced another innings of substance, compiling an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls to anchor the chase under mounting pressure.
He is still to be dismissed at this World Cup.
But this was equally a victory shaped by captain Sikandar Raza’s decisive intervention at the critical hour.
His explosive 45 off 26 balls transformed the contest and earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
Bennett and Marumani shared a 69-run opening stand in under nine overs, laying a solid platform before Wellalage induced a mistimed slog sweep from Marumani, who departed for 34. – Zimcricket/Sports Reporter
Mathew Masinge