T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to enter Super Eight unbeaten
India Today
ICC T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka to remain unbeaten in Group B, finishing on top of a table that also featured Australia and Ireland. It was a statement performance from a side that has grown in confidence with every outing.
Scores: Zimbabwe (182/4 in 19.3 overs) beat Sri Lanka (178/7 in 20 overs) by six wickets in Colombo. (Brian Bennett 63*, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2/36).
Brian Bennett's composure and Sikandar Raza's explosive strokeplay powered Zimbabwe to an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, sealing their place in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup as Group B toppers on Thursday.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Chasing 179 in their final league clash, Zimbabwe overhauled the target in 19.3 overs to stun the hosts and complete an unbeaten group-stage campaign. Finishing above Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland, the African side marked a significant milestone in their steady resurgence. It was also their second-highest successful chase in T20 internationals.
On a sluggish surface that demanded balance, Zimbabwe combined restraint with calculated aggression. Bennett anchored the innings with 63 not out off 48 balls, while Raza's 45 off 26 deliveries supplied the acceleration at crucial moments.
Zimbabwe made a confident start, reaching 55 without loss in the Powerplay through Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani (34 off 26). The opening pair put on 69 in 8.3 overs before Marumani fell to Dunith Wellalage, offering the spinner a return catch.
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