It was the upset nobody outside Zimbabwe saw coming. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard from February 19, 2026, tells the story of a historic six-wicket victory that sent Zimbabwe into the T20 World Cup Super Eights as Group B toppers unbeaten in all four matches. On a sluggish R. Premadasa track in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept Sri Lanka to 178/7, and their batters chased it down in 19.3 overs to complete Zimbabwe’s second-highest successful T20I chase.
The turning point was the fall of Kusal Perera in the fifth over, after which Zimbabwe’s spinners strangled Sri Lanka’s middle order. In the chase, captain Sikandar Raza’s blazing 45 off 26 balls broke the game wide open, while Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63 off 48, carrying his bat through the innings in what was one of the finest anchor roles seen at this World Cup. The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka clash will be remembered as the night Zimbabwe proved their first win over Australia was no fluke.
Match Summary Table
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 178 | 7 | 20.0 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Zimbabwe | 182 | 4 | 19.3 | Won by 6 wickets (3 balls remaining) |
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Format: T20 (ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group B, Match 38) | Date: February 19, 2026 | Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss, elected to bat | Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
The match unfolded in three distinct phases for Sri Lanka: an explosive 54/0 in 4.6 overs, a painful middle-order collapse to 108/3 by over 13.4, and a late fightback to 178/7. Zimbabwe’s chase was anchored by Bennett throughout but ignited by Raza, Burl, and Marumani in a partnership-heavy pursuit that never let the asking rate spiral out of control. This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard reflects a complete team performance.
Batting Highlights
Sri Lanka Innings — 178/7 in 20 Overs
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P. Nissanka | 62 | 41 | 8 | 0 | 151.22 | c Munyonga b Cremer |
| K. Perera | 22 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 157.14 | c Cremer b Muzarabani |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 14 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 | st Marumani b Burl |
| P. Rathnayake | 44 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 176.00 | c Cremer b Evans |
| Kamindu Mendis | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 140.00 | c & b Cremer |
| D. Shanaka (c) | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85.71 | c Musekiwa b Muzarabani |
| D. Wellalage | 15 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 187.50 | Not Out |
| D. Hemantha | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Burl b Evans |
| M. Theekshana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | Not Out |
| Extras | 8 | — | — | — | — | 3lb, 1nb, 4w |
| Total | 178/7 | 120 | 19 | 2 | 8.90 | 20 Overs |
Did not bat: P. Madushan, D. Madushanka
Fall of Wickets: 54-1 (Perera, 4.6), 100-2 (K. Mendis, 12.1), 108-3 (Nissanka, 13.4), 123-4 (Kamindu Mendis, 15.2), 142-5 (Shanaka, 17.1), 164-6 (Rathnayake, 18.5), 164-7 (Hemantha, 18.6)
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera gave Sri Lanka the dream start 54 runs in 29 balls, nearly clearing the field at will. But the moment Muzarabani removed Perera, the game changed. Kusal Mendis played an unusually conservative 14 off 20 balls, allowing Zimbabwe’s spinners to tighten the screws. After Nissanka fell to a Cremer reverse-sweep trap at 108/3, Sri Lanka limped through the middle before Rathnayake’s bold 44 off 25 and Wellalage’s 15 off 8 at the death rescued a competitive 178. The lack of sixes just two in the entire innings underlined how effective Zimbabwe’s bowling was on the sluggish Premadasa track in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka encounter.
Zimbabwe Innings — 182/4 in 19.3 Overs
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B. Bennett | 63* | 48 | 8 | 0 | 131.25 | Not Out |
| T. Marumani (wk) | 34 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 130.77 | c & b Wellalage |
| R. Burl | 23 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 191.67 | c Perera b Shanaka |
| S. Raza (c) | 45 | 26 | 2 | 4 | 173.08 | c Shanaka b Hemantha |
| T. Musekiwa | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | c Shanaka b Hemantha |
| T. Munyonga | 8* | 3 | 0 | 1 | 266.67 | Not Out |
| Extras | 8 | — | — | — | — | 3lb, 5w |
| Total | 182/4 | 117 | 17 | 7 | 9.33 | 19.3 Overs |
Did not bat: D. Myers, B. Evans, W. Masakadza, G. Cremer, B. Muzarabani
Fall of Wickets: 69-1 (Marumani, 8.3), 98-2 (Burl, 11.4), 167-3 (Raza, 18.2), 169-4 (Musekiwa, 18.5)
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team match scorecard in the chase section reads like a perfectly orchestrated relay race. Marumani and Bennett put on a solid 69-run opening stand, laying the foundation without panic. Burl then provided acceleration, blasting 23 off just 12 balls to keep the required rate in check. Raza the match-winner came in and demolished the Sri Lankan bowling attack with 45 off 26 balls, including four sixes, effectively killing the contest. Bennett, meanwhile, was the calming anchor throughout, never losing his wicket and finishing with an unbeaten 63 his second successive major contribution at this World Cup.
Bowling Figures
Zimbabwe Bowling (Sri Lanka’s Innings)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Raza | 4 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 9.00 |
| B. Muzarabani | 4 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 9.50 |
| W. Masakadza | 3 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 7.66 |
| B. Evans | 3 | 0 | 35 | 2 | 11.66 |
| G. Cremer | 4 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 6.75 |
| R. Burl | 2 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 8.00 |
Cremer was the standout bowler with 2/27 from four tight overs at an economy of 6.75 by far the most economical figure in the innings. He was responsible for removing the dangerous Nissanka on 62 and cleaned up Kamindu Mendis with a return catch. Muzarabani drew first blood in the powerplay by removing Perera, snapping Sri Lanka’s blazing start. Burl’s ripping legbreak to stump Kusal Mendis in over 12 was another pivotal moment. Evans picked up two late wickets in the death but was expensive. Overall, Zimbabwe conceded only two sixes in the entire Sri Lankan innings a tactical masterclass in restraint and variation.
Sri Lanka Bowling (Zimbabwe’s Innings)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. Madushanka | 3 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 6.66 |
| P. Madushan | 2 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 11.50 |
| M. Theekshana | 3.3 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 13.42 |
| D. Shanaka | 3 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 8.66 |
| D. Hemantha | 4 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 9.00 |
| D. Wellalage | 4 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 6.75 |
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website regarding the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, including match scores, player statistics, bowling figures, and related cricket data, is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only.
Hemantha’s two wickets in the 19th over removing Raza and Musekiwa created a brief flicker of hope for Sri Lanka. Wellalage was economical throughout and picked up Marumani’s wicket. However, the failure of Theekshana going for 47 in 3.3 overs at an economy of 13.42 was critical. Sri Lanka’s premier spinner had no answer to Zimbabwe’s aggressive middle order. With Bennett anchoring at one end and Raza firing at the other, the bowling unit simply had no way back.
Key Moments & Tactical Analysis
Toss Impact: Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, which appeared the right call given the dew forecast for later in the night. Sikandar Raza himself admitted it was a “win-win” he expected conditions to improve for batting under the lights, so Zimbabwe were happy to bowl.
Powerplay Momentum: Sri Lanka were explosive in the first 5 overs 54/0 from 29 balls with Nissanka (28 off 14) and Perera (16 off 10) dismantling the attack. Zimbabwe gambled by bowling two overs of spin inside the first four, which failed to create early pressure. However, the moment Muzarabani removed Perera at the end of over 5, the match tilted decisively.
Turning Point: Kusal Mendis’ laboured 14 off 20 balls in the middle overs was the slow-burning turning point. His lack of intent allowed Cremer and Burl to tighten the screws, and when Burl’s ripping legbreak dragged him out of his crease to be stumped in over 12, Sri Lanka had gone from 54/0 to 100/2 a grinding 46 runs off the next 43 balls. Nissanka’s departure at 108/3 shortly after compounded the damage.
Captaincy Decisions: Raza’s bowling changes were astute bringing Cremer back for attacking overs rather than defensive ones. Giving Burl just two overs was perhaps conservative given his impact, but Cremer’s four overs were precision-managed. In the chase, Raza led from the front with bat in hand, turning a tense situation into a platform for victory.
Pitch/Dew Factor: The sluggish track at Premadasa was the defining factor of Sri Lanka’s innings. The surface gripped for Zimbabwe’s spinners throughout the middle overs. By the time Zimbabwe batted, however, the evening dew had quickened the surface, making it far easier to stroke the ball cleanly explaining the quicker strike rates in Zimbabwe’s chase compared to Sri Lanka’s innings.
Key Stats Table
| Metric | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 178/7 | 182/4 |
| Overs Faced | 20.0 | 19.3 |
| Run Rate | 8.90 | 9.33 |
| Boundaries (4s) | 19 | 17 |
| Sixes (6s) | 2 | 7 |
| Extras | 8 | 8 |
| Highest Scorer | Nissanka — 62 (41) | Bennett — 63* (48) |
| Best Bowler | Cremer — 2/27 | Hemantha — 2/36 |
| Powerplay Score | 54/1 (5 ov) | 37/0 (5 ov) |
| Top Partnership | 54 — Nissanka & Perera | 69 — Bennett & Marumani |
The statistical contrast is stark: Zimbabwe hit seven sixes to Sri Lanka’s two, which explains the 4-run difference despite both teams scoring in the 178–182 range. Zimbabwe’s death-over hitting primarily through Raza was worth roughly 14–15 extra runs compared to Sri Lanka’s acceleration. Zimbabwe were simply more clinical at putting away the short ball.
Head-to-Head Analysis & Historical Rivalry
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka — T20I Head-to-Head (All-Time)
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches Played | 16 (as of Feb 2026) |
| Zimbabwe Wins | 5 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 11 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Zimbabwe Win % | ~31% |
| Sri Lanka Win % | ~69% |
Historical Rivalry
Sri Lanka have historically dominated Zimbabwe across all formats. Their first T20I meeting came in the early days of T20 cricket, and for the better part of the decade, Sri Lanka was a near-impenetrable wall for Zimbabwe. Results in bilateral series have generally favoured Sri Lanka comprehensively, with Zimbabwe rarely managing to compete in home conditions on flat Sri Lankan decks.
However, the 2025 bilateral T20I series in Zimbabwe provided early evidence of a shift. Zimbabwe won the second T20I to level the series, restricting Sri Lanka to a stunning 80 all out their second-lowest T20I total ever. It showed Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by the pace of Muzarabani and Evans combined with the spin of Raza and Burl, had the tools to expose Sri Lanka’s fragility.
The 2026 T20 World Cup has been the culmination of that resurgence. Zimbabwe’s win in Colombo is only their second ever victory over Sri Lanka in T20Is played on Sri Lankan soil, and the manner of it chasing 179 with 6 wickets and 3 balls to spare underlines the gulf in class that has narrowed dramatically. Under Sikandar Raza’s captaincy, zimbabwe vs sri lanka clashes are no longer one-sided affairs.
Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is between teams):
| Match | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20 WC 2026, Feb 19 | Zimbabwe | 6 wickets | Colombo |
| Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe, 2025 (3rd T20I) | Sri Lanka | 8 wickets | Harare |
| Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe, 2025 (2nd T20I) | Zimbabwe | 5 wickets | Harare |
| Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe, 2025 (1st T20I) | Sri Lanka | 1 wicket | Harare |
| T20 WC 2022 | Sri Lanka | 8 wickets | Dubai |
Zimbabwe’s zimbabwe vs sri lanka record is trending in one direction and after this T20 World Cup performance, they are no longer considered underdogs in this fixture.
Read Also: England Cricket Team Vs Italy National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Conclusion
This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team match scorecard captures one of the defining results of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage. Zimbabwe finished Group B with a perfect four wins from four games, topping the group ahead of Sri Lanka. The result confirmed Zimbabwe’s credentials as a genuine Super Eight contender and a team capable of beating full-member nations on a consistent basis.
For Sri Lanka, it was a disappointing exit from the group as runners-up, missing the chance to win their home group outright. They progressed to the Super Eights but would face England in Pallekele on Saturday. Zimbabwe headed to Mumbai to face West Indies in their Super Eights opener on Monday as Group B’s undisputed champions.
? FAQs
What was the final score in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka T20 WC 2026 match?
Sri Lanka scored 178/7 in 20 overs. Zimbabwe chased it down to 182/4 in 19.3 overs, winning by 6 wickets.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) was named Player of the Match for his match-winning 45 off 26 balls.
Who scored the most runs in the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team match?
Brian Bennett top-scored with 63* off 48 balls for Zimbabwe. Pathum Nissanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 62 off 41 balls.
Who took the most wickets in the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team match scorecard?
Graeme Cremer took 2/27 for Zimbabwe (best figures). Brad Evans also took 2/35. For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha took 2/36.
What was the turning point of the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka match?
The dismissal of Kusal Perera by Muzarabani in over 5, followed by Kusal Mendis’ slow 14 off 20 balls, allowed Zimbabwe’s spinners to rebuild control. Nissanka’s exit at 108/3 in over 13.4 effectively ended Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Where was the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 match played?
At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Did Zimbabwe qualify for the Super Eights after this win?
Yes. Zimbabwe finished Group B unbeaten with four wins out of four topping the group and advancing to the Super Eights.
