In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2026 showdown, Zimbabwe triumphed over Sri Lanka by six wickets at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Brian Bennett played a pivotal role, scoring an impressive 63 runs off 48 balls, featuring eight boundaries. He was well-supported by captain Sikandar Raza, who contributed 45 runs from 26 balls, including two fours and four sixes.
Reflecting on his innings, Raza acknowledged his slow start, stating he was focused on calculating the necessary runs. “After the first eight balls, I had only managed 4-5 runs, but I felt good about my timing. I was aiming for a 20-run over,” he explained. Despite not finishing the game himself, he praised Bennett for his performance, saying, “I kept encouraging Bennett to keep batting through the innings.”
Raza admitted that his slow start may have added pressure on Bennett, expressing regret and urging him to stay strong as he began to find his rhythm. “I felt like I let him down, but credit to him for consistently performing. I can’t wait to see him improve further,” the captain remarked.
With Zimbabwe advancing to the “Super 8” stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, Raza is already looking ahead to their next match. “I’m thrilled with our progress. We’re unbeaten so far, but I’m focused on the next game. It’s a great position to be in as captain, but I plan to enjoy tonight as well,” said the 39-year-old.
In the Super 8, Zimbabwe is placed in Group 1 alongside India, South Africa, and the West Indies. Their first match in this stage will be against the West Indies on February 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The final of this prestigious tournament is set for March 8, with the venue yet to be confirmed.