Score: 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; Dusan Hemantha 2/36).
Captain Sikandar Raza said Zimbabwe will be looking to knock out some heavyweights in the Super 8s at the T20 World Cup 2026 as they are determined to extend their fairytale run a little longer. After sealing qualification after the game against Ireland, Raza remarked that “everybody loves an underdog story” – a line that has now become a silent rallying cry in the camp.
He echoed that sentiment again on Thursday after Zimbabwe closed the group stage unbeaten. Their six-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo they ensured they dominated Group B, reinforcing the belief that this campaign could be something special.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: MAIN | SCORECARD
While Raza admitted a semi-final spot is firmly on their radar, he was quick to add a note of caution. He stressed that Zimbabwe will play one game at a time before they dare to dream of making the final four.
“We take it one game at a time. We arrive on the 21st and then practice on the 22nd and then it’s show time. Whatever happens, happens. If we can win two out of three games, who knows what can happen. Everyone loves an underdog story,” Raza said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
WHY SHOULD IT MATTER?
Raza spoke about how Zimbabwe defied the odds against Sri Lanka, especially when few gave them much of a chance. With the chasing teams having lost all four of their previous matches at the venue, the draw was widely seen as the deciding factor going into Thursday’s game.
But Raza ensured his side did not lose heart after being asked to chase. Instead, Zimbabwe approached the target with clarity and poise, reversing the prevailing trend. The captain insisted that while the conditions and the draw can shape the stories, it doesn’t matter if the team is simply playing good cricket.
“We are looking ahead. When I look at the moment, I don’t think anybody gave us a chance. If you want to win everyone’s heart and respect, it’s a good position. When we lost the toss, all I said to the boys is if we are really playing good cricket, why does the bowling matter,” added Raza.
Zimbabwe face a tough Super 8 schedule starting on February 23 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium. They will then take on India in Chennai on February 26 and take on South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on March 1 to continue their winning streak.
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– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 19, 2026