Rising confidence in the camp after back-to-back signature wins

Post Sport Reporter

Zimbabwe’s remarkable Twenty20 World Cup campaign continued to defy expectations as the 11th-ranked side claimed a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka, just days after stunning former champions Australia.

What began as a spirited tournament showing is fast turning into a statement of intent from a side that has long lived in the shadows of cricket’s traditional powerhouses.

Having already defeated Australia in one of the shocks of the tournament and dispatched Oman comfortably, Zimbabwe entered the Sri Lanka clash brimming with belief. A washout against Ireland earlier in the week had denied them maximum points, but it did little to dampen the growing confidence within the camp.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive total, Zimbabwe found themselves in a precarious position, needing 65 runs from 36 balls, a demanding equation under pressure.

Enter captain Sikandar Raza.

In a decisive moment, Raza launched a brutal assault on leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, smashing 20 runs in a single over that included two towering sixes and a four. The over shifted momentum irreversibly in Zimbabwe’s favour.

Raza and Brian Bennett stitched together a 69-run partnership off just 40 deliveries for the third wicket, steadying nerves and dismantling Sri Lanka’s grip on the contest.

Though Raza departed in the 19th over for a vital 45, the job was nearly done. Bennett remained composed throughout, finishing unbeaten on 63 in a mature innings that anchored the chase.

With eight runs required off the final over, Tony Munyonga calmed any lingering anxiety by launching Maheesh Theekshana’s first delivery for six. Moments later, Bennett sealed the win with a boundary, completing Zimbabwe’s second-highest successful run chase in T20 internationals.

“We have trained for every situation,” Raza said after being named Player of the Match. “We have the right personnel to send in at the right time. Our roles are clear, and that’s why you see the confidence in the changing room.”

Earlier, Sri Lanka had chosen to bat first, with Pathum Nissanka once again proving their backbone. Fresh from becoming the tournament’s first centurion against Australia, Nissanka compiled a polished 62 off 47 balls, his seventh T20 World Cup fifty, equalling Mahela Jayawardene’s national record.

Yet despite his efforts, Sri Lanka’s total proved insufficient against a Zimbabwe side playing with growing authority and clarity of purpose.

Sri Lanka will now look to regroup as they open their Super Eights campaign against England in Kandy, while Zimbabwe face the West Indies in Mumbai, a fixture that now carries genuine intrigue.

Zimbabwe’s resurgence has cast an even harsher spotlight on Australia’s early exit. The 2021 champions crashed out at the group stage for the first time since 2009, suffering defeats to both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Coach Andrew McDonald has defended his squad selections, insisting the team was good enough to progress. But former greats, including Glenn McGrath and Mark Waugh, have publicly questioned the balance of the side and the omission of key players.

Heavy defeats in pre-tournament warm-ups against Pakistan had already signalled vulnerability. Missing experienced pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, Australia’s aura appeared diminished.

A comprehensive review is now expected as the team begins preparations toward co-hosting the 2028 edition with New Zealand.

For Zimbabwe, however, the narrative is one of belief restored.

Once considered underdogs reliant on occasional flashes of brilliance, the team now appears structured, disciplined and tactically assured. Defined roles, composure under pressure and fearless stroke play have characterised their campaign.

From upsetting Australia to dismantling Sri Lanka’s challenge, Zimbabwe have injected unpredictability, and excitement, into this World Cup.

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