Zimbabwe continue impressive T20 World Cup run with dramatic win over Sri Lanka

Having already impressed in earlier matches, Zimbabwe finished the group stage with seven points from four outings, entering the Super 8 round brimming with confidence.

Sri Lanka, captained by Kusal Mendis, opted to bat first and posted a competitive 178 for 7 in their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a fluent 62 from 41 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake added a brisk 44 off 25 deliveries.

However, their innings lost momentum during the middle phase, managing just 42 runs between overs 13 and 17, before gathering 36 in the final six overs.

Zimbabwe's bowlers applied key pressure, with Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans sharing four wickets, while Ryan Burl removed Mendis and conceded only 16 runs in two overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe's chase was anchored by the ever-reliable Brian Bennett, who remains unbeaten in the tournament, and skipper Sikandar Raza, who marshalled the closing stages expertly.

The match reached a tense finale as Zimbabwe required eight runs in the final over and lost two wickets.

Tony Munyonga swung momentum decisively by launching Maheesh Theekshana for a six off the first ball, before Bennett struck the winning runs to complete a memorable chase and preserve Zimbabwe's perfect record. 

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