Colombo erupted in disbelief as Zimbabwe scripted a record-breaking six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 38th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 179, the African side reached the target in 19.3 overs, losing only four wickets and shattering multiple milestones along the way.
Sri Lanka’s innings was a tale of aggressive starts and middle-order wobbles. Pathum Nissanka’s fiery 62 off 41 balls and Pavan Rathnayake’s 44 off 25 set a competitive total of 178 for 7. Yet, Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling restricted any further acceleration.
The chase was ignited by openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who piled on 69 runs. After Marumani’s departure at 34, Ryan Burl’s quick 23 off 12 balls kept the momentum. Captain Sikandar Raza then partnered Bennett for a match-defining 69-run stand, his 45 off 26 providing the finishing touches. Bennett remained not out on 63 from 48 balls, laced with eight boundaries.
Records tumbled: this chase ranks as Zimbabwe’s second-highest in T20Is and against Sri Lanka in World Cups. Seven sixes in the innings equal Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup record. It’s their fifth scalp of a full member in the competition, adding to wins over Ireland, Pakistan, and Australia.
Brian Bennett now shares second spot with Sean Williams for most T20I fifty-plus scores by a Zimbabwean, both at 12. This upset reinforces Zimbabwe’s reputation as surprise packages, keeping fans on the edge as the tournament heats up.