COLOMBO – Zimbabwe climbed to the top of Group B with a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, powered by a match-winning effort from Brian Bennett and skipper Sikandar Raza.Chasing 179, Zimbabwe reached the target in the final over with four wickets in hand after laying a strong foundation. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided early momentum with a brisk 69-run stand. Marumani struck 34 off 26 balls before falling to DunithWellalage.
Ryan Burl added impetus with a rapid 23 off 12 deliveries, while Raza’s aggressive 45 off 26 balls, featuring four sixes, shifted the contest firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour.The captain shared a decisive 50-run partnership with Bennett, who anchored the chase with a composed, unbeaten 63 off 48 balls, including eight boundaries.Although Dushan Hemantha claimed two quick wickets in the 19th over to spark brief hope for the hosts, Tony Munyonga sealed the result with a towering six in the final over.Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178 after a promising start. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a fluent 62 off 41 balls, marking his 19th T20I half-century, while Pavan Rathnayake added a late 44 off 25. However, Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling, led by Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Graeme Cremer, who took two wickets each, restricted the hosts’ momentum.The victory propels Zimbabwe to the top of the Group B standings, leapfrogging Sri Lanka in the process.WEST INDIES DOMINATE ITALY TO COMPLETE FLAWLESS GROUP RUNWest Indies extended their unbeaten run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive 42-run victory over Italy in their final group-stage match. Defending 166, the Caribbean bowlers produced a clinical display to dismiss Italy for 123 in 18 overs. Shamar Joseph led the charge with impressive figures of 4/30, while Matthew Forde claimed three wickets. Gudakesh Motie picked up two and Akeal Hosein added one to seal a dominant win.Italy struggled to build partnerships, with Ben Manenti top-scoring with 26. JJ Smuts contributed 24, and Anthony Mosca struck a brisk 19, but the chase never gathered momentum.Earlier, West Indies recovered from early setbacks after losing two wickets inside five overs.
Skipper Shai Hope hammered 75 off 46 balls, laced with six fours and four sixes. Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 24 and late contributions from Forde pushed West Indies to a competitive total.AFGHANISTAN SIGN OFF WITH 82-RUN ROUT OF CANADAAfghanistan ended their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high, thrashing Canada by 82 runs. Opener Ibrahim Zadran starred with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, powering Afghanistan to 200/4. Sediqullah Atal added 44 in a crucial 95-run stand. In reply, Canada managed 118/8 despite Harsh Thaker’s 30. Mohammad Nabi claimed 4/7, while Rashid Khan took two wickets.
