Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza Star as Zimbabwe Chase Down 179 Against Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe produced a composed and aggressive batting display in this Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka encounter to seal victory with three balls to spare.

Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid the perfect foundation, adding 69 runs for the first wicket. The pair raced to 55/0 in the powerplay, bringing up their 50-run stand in just 34 balls. Marumani scored a fluent 34 off 26 balls before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage.

Bennett continued to anchor the innings brilliantly, reaching his half-century in 41 balls. He remained unbeaten on 63 off 48 deliveries, striking eight boundaries and ensuring Zimbabwe stayed on track during the middle overs.

After Ryan Burl’s quick 23 off 12 balls, captain Sikandar Raza shifted the momentum decisively. Raza smashed 45 off just 26 balls, including four sixes, accelerating the scoring rate during a crucial 50-run third-wicket stand with Bennett.

Despite two late wickets, Tony Munyonga’s unbeaten 8 off 3 balls finished the chase as Zimbabwe reached 182/4 in 19.3 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha picked up two wickets, while Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanaka claimed one each, but the bowlers struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s steady yet attacking approach in this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup contest.