HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 38 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The players are already out in the middle now. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani are the two openers for Zimbabwe. Dilshan Madushanka to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A quick chat - Graeme Cremer (4-0-27-2) comes up for a quick interview. Shares that it is a good batting surface but feels the spinners get their reward by bowling slower through the air. In his view, taking the pace off makes it much harder for the batters. Cremer adds that the Powerplay is crucial for Zimbabwe when they come out to chase. Feels that if they make a solid start without losing too many wickets, the target feels about par. He reckons that if they bat well, the chase is well within reach. He also adds that it is great fun playing in front of a big, buzzing crowd.

Wickets shared, but runs leaked - Zimbabwe bowled tidily but conceded a few more runs than they would have liked. Blessing Muzarabani, Graeme Cremer, and Brad Evans each picked up two wickets, while Ryan Burl struck the key blow by dismissing Kusal Mendis. There were good patches of bowling, but some wayward deliveries and misfields allowed Sri Lanka to post a competitive total. Chasing 179, Zimbabwe will need a composed and powerful batting performance. Who do you think will continue their unbeaten run? We’ll find out soon. Stay tuned for the second essay!

Openers lay the foundation - Sri Lanka have scored an impressive 178/7 in their 20 overs, finishing with an above-par total after a thrilling final over that yielded 14 runs. Electing to bat first, they got off to a solid start with Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka putting together a 54-run partnership for the opening wicket. After Perera’s departure, Kusal Mendis continued the momentum, forming another steady stand with Nissanka. Pathum Nissanka was in sublime form, contributing a brilliant 62, while Pavan Rathnayake accelerated in the final overs with a quickfire 44 off just 25 balls. Although wickets fell regularly after the 15th over, a late cameo from Dunith Wellalage ensured that Sri Lanka closed their innings on a strong note.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries to end the innings! Blessing Muzarabani digs it into the pitch, takes pace off too, but angles it down the leg side. Dunith Wellalage gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way over short fine for four more runs. 14 runs from the final over and Sri Lanka finish on 178/7.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, FOUR! Excellent shot! Blessing Muzarabani just misses the wide yorker, outside off. Dunith Wellalage opens the face of his bat and squeezes it out over point for another boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, Nicely bowled! A clever slower delivery, back of a length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage slashes very early at it and misses.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, Appeal for a caught behind! Back of a length and angling into the leg side. Dunith Wellalage looks to hook it away but misses. Tadiwanashe Marumani grabs it behind the stumps and appeals for the catch, but it is turned down. Sikandar Raza takes the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat is involved, and the on-field call of Not Out remains.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller and around off, Dunith Wellalage slices it over extra cover for a brace.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, FOUR! Up and over! Short of a length and just around off. Dunith Wellalage accepts the width on offer and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

Last over coming up now. Can Blessing Muzarabani keep Sri Lanka under 175 here?

Brad Evans to Dushan Hemantha, OUT! CAUGHT! Two in two for Brad Evans. This is another slower one, full and on middle. Dushan Hemantha looks to go big down the ground but fails to get underneath it. It flies high in the air towards long on, where Ryan Burl settles under it and takes an easy catch. Sri Lanka are 164/7 now.

The next batter is... Dushan Hemantha.

Brad Evans to Pavan Rathnayake, OUT! CAUGHT! Brad Evans strikes. He has now picked up at least a wicket in 27 innings in a row in T20s. An off-cutter, hard length and just outside off, Pavan Rathnayake throws his hands at it to reach out. Gets a thick outside edge that goes straight to short third, where Graeme Cremer takes it with a reverse cup. 44 off just 25 for Pavan. Impactful knock.

Brad Evans to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! Excellent batting! Fuller and around off, pace on. Pavan Rathnayake extends his arms to get under it and carves it over extra cover for four more runs. 16 runs already with two balls to go in the over.

Brad Evans to Pavan Rathnayake, SIX! Massive hit, and it goes into the stands! Short of a length and angling into the batter. Pavan Rathnayake backs away early, manages to get on top of the bounce and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. This lad is a clean striker of a cricket ball.

Brad Evans to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! Good innovation! Brad Evans tries the back-of-the-hand slower one, but loses grip and serves a loopy full toss. Pavan Rathnayake shuffles across early, waits for it and scoops it over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Pavan Rathnayake, A slower one, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake drills it wide of long off for a brace.

Brad Evans to bowl the penultimate over. He has conceded 19 runs in his first two overs.

Blessing Muzarabani to Pavan Rathnayake, Good length and around off, Pavan Rathnayake guides it to deep third for one. Just 6 runs and a wicket from the over!

Blessing Muzarabani to Pavan Rathnayake, Beaten! Hard-length delivery, on off, holds its line and takes off too. Pavan Rathnayake looks to target the leg side with a flick but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Blessing Muzarabani to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! Gets it away! Blessing Muzarabani lands this back of a length and around off, slower as well. Pavan Rathnayake climbs onto it and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs to his right, dives and gets a hand to it but the ball still trickles to the fence for a boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, On a length and around off, Dunith Wellalage steers it towards point for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dunith Wellalage, No hat-trick! Short of a length and on middle, Dunith Wellalage stays back and blocks it out.

Sri Lanka lose half their side now. Dunith Wellalage is the next man in.

Blessing Muzarabani to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani strikes right away in his second spell. He bangs this into the pitch, around leg, takes pace off. Dasun Shanaka tries to pick it up and whip it away but just fails to get the elevation on the shot. It flies straight down the throat of deep square leg, where Tashinga Musekiwa gets low and pouches it safely. Muzarabani is on a hat-trick now as he had picked up a wicket on the last ball of his previous spell.

Blessing Muzarabani (2-0-18-1) is back on.

Sikandar Raza to Pavan Rathnayake, SIX! Goes all the way! Sikandar Raza gives this one a bit more air, full and on middle. Pavan Rathnayake skips down the track and slogs it towards deep mid-wicket. Wellington Masakadza runs a long way inside, but loses sight of the ball. He watches it sail over his head for a biggie. 15 from the over and it spoils Sikandar Raza's overall figures.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Drags his length back, on leg, Dasun Shanaka nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Sikandar Raza to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter delivery, full and on the pads, Pavan Rathnayake flicks it away between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. Wellington Masakadza runs to his right from the former region and slides to stop. However, he parries it away, which allows the third run.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Goes short and on middle and leg, Dasun Shanaka punches it down to long on for another run.

Sikandar Raza to Pavan Rathnayake, Sikandar Raza bowls it with the low-arm action, full and on middle. Pavan Rathnayake cannot get under it and lofts it straight to long on for just a run.

Sikandar Raza to Dasun Shanaka, Shorter in length and around off, Dasun Shanaka stabs it out to extra cover for a run. Uh..oh! The siren goes off here, which means Raza has overstepped here. No Ball called and a Free Hit to follow.

Sikandar Raza to Pavan Rathnayake, Tossed up, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake uses his feet to drive but gets an inside edge to short fine for a single.

Graeme Cremer to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake eases it to long off for one. Just 5 from the over, Graeme Cremer finishes his spell with superb figures of 4-0-27-2.

Graeme Cremer to Dasun Shanaka, Just short! Graeme Cremer drags his length back and around middle. Dasun Shanaka heaves it towards deep mid-wicket but does not get the timing, which probably saves him. It flies flat but drops in front of the deep mid-wicket fielder, Brian Bennett. They cross.

Graeme Cremer to Dasun Shanaka, Almost another caught and bowled and nearly a run out! Flighted, full and on middle, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and lifts it over the bowler. Graeme Cremer on his follow-through, leaps up and gets his right hand on it but it does not stick in. He turns back, grabs it on the bounce and breaks the stumps at the bowler's end, but the dive from Pavan saves him here. Very eventful ball.

Graeme Cremer to Dasun Shanaka, Short and outside off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it wide of deep point for a brace.

Another one bites the dust. Skipper Dasun Shanaka walks out to the middle now.

Graeme Cremer to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Graeme Cremer gets his second wicket and removes the dangerous Kamindu Mendis. He tosses it up, full and on middle, this one holds up on the surface a bit. Mendis looks to push it away but goes through the shot a bit early. He ends up chipping it straight back to the bowler, and Cremer takes a dolly. It's a good passage of play for Zimbabwe, they are chipping away at the wickets at regular intervals.

Graeme Cremer to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake bunts it back towards the bowler. Graeme Cremer makes a half-stop on the follow-through and allows the single.

Ryan Burl to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! The extra ball costs Zimbabwe the boundary! Flighted full, quicker one, on off. Kamindu Mendis drills it hard past the bowler and down the ground for a powerful boundary. With 5 overs left, Sri Lanka are 122/3.

Ryan Burl to Kamindu Mendis, WIDE! Flighted delivery, landing full, but down the leg side. Kamindu Mendis plays and misses. Wided.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Looped up full, on the middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake flicks it through mid-wicket and takes one more.

Ryan Burl to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up full, attacking the stumps. Kamindu Mendis thinks about playing the sweep initially, but changes the shot and flicks it through square leg. Settles for one.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Shortish leg break, around off. Pavan Rathnayake cuts it toward the deep point region for a single.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, WIDE! Burl serves it full and well wide outside the tramline. Pavan Rathnayake thinks of coming down the pitch but waits and lets the ball go. Wide signaled.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Tossed up full, on off. Pavan Rathnayake shimmies down and drives it past the bowler and down the ground to long on for a couple.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted delivery, on a fullish length, spinning away, around off. Pavan Rathnayake looks to sweep but fails to connect.

Graeme Cremer to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up and full, on the middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis works it into the gap at deep square leg and gets off the mark with a couple. A top over from Cremer.

Graeme Cremer to Kamindu Mendis, Loopy delivery, on off. Kamindu Mendis advances and turns it off the inner half toward short mid-wicket.

Graeme Cremer to Kamindu Mendis, WIDE! Flatter delivery, turning down the leg. Kamindu Mendis plays and misses. Wide signaled.

With that wicket, the umpires call for Drinks on the field. Zimbabwe have pulled things back nicely here, picking up a couple of wickets in consecutive overs. They will now be able to bowl to two new batters at the crease, and this pitch is not that easy to bat on. The spinners are getting help and they will look to keep the pressure on the batters. For the hosts, they need a partnership here before they can launch in the last few overs. Also, Kamindu Mendis is the next man in.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! SHARP CATCH! Graeme Cremer gets the big fish! Tossed up on a length, turning away, just outside off. Pathum Nissanka brings out the reverse sweep and looks to clear the backward point region, but ends up hitting it off the top edge, which goes behind the backward point region. Tony Munyonga runs back, keeps his eye on the ball, and takes a sharp grab. A fine knock from Nissanka ends on 62. Sri Lanka are 108/3 after 13.4 overs.

Graeme Cremer to Pavan Rathnayake, Tossed up full, on off. Pavan Rathnayake shimmies down and pushes it down to long off for one.

Graeme Cremer to Pavan Rathnayake, Pavan Rathnayake charges down the pitch, takes it on the full, and hacks it toward the gap at deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Graeme Cremer to Pavan Rathnayake, Stumping appeal! Flighted, full, leg break, spins away after pitching, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake looks to swipe it across the line, but misses, and Tadiwanashe Marumani is quick to take off the bails. An appeal for stumping is sent upstairs. The TV umpire has a look and confirms that a part of the foot is behind the crease. NOT OUT comes on the big screen.

Ryan Burl to Pathum Nissanka, Dragged short, outside off. Pathum Nissanka pulls it hard toward the gap at the cow corner region and they take two more.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Tossed up full, at the stumps. Pavan Rathnayake flicks it through the mid-wicket region for one.

Halt. Tadiwanashe Marumani looks to be in pain after getting hit under his throat, and the physio comes to attend to him. Gets the treatment and is back on his feet.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter googly, turning into off. Pavan Rathnayake looks to cut but gets cramped and chops it onto the pitch. It bounces off the pitch and hits Tadiwanashe Marumani around the chest.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted, full, on the middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake sits low and swipes it hard to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Ryan Burl to Pavan Rathnayake, Tossed up on a length, on off. Pavan Rathnayake prods and pushes this to short cover.

Pavan Rathnayake walks in at number 4.

Ryan Burl to Kusal Mendis, OUT! STUMPED! This is the first stumping dismissal of Kusal Mendis in this format. The change in bowling does the trick straight away for Zimbabwe. Ryan Burl tosses one up, full and around off, and it grips before spinning away teasingly. Kusal Mendis leans into the drive, only to be beaten by the turn and his back leg drags out of the crease in the process. Behind the stumps, Tadiwanashe Marumani is sharp as ever, gathering cleanly and whipping off the bails in a flash. The in-form batter walks back for a rare low score. If there was ever a time for an off day, this might be it rather than the Super 8s. Sri Lanka are two down.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Shortish delivery, sliding into the off-stump line. Kusal Mendis hangs back and steers it toward short third for one more. After 12 overs, Sri Lanka are 100/1.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter arm ball, just outside off. Pathum Nissanka stays back and dabs it towards short third for a quick single. A bit of hesitation from the non-striker but a misfield from Cremer allows the run.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Loopy delivery on the middle. Kusal Mendis makes room and chips it on the bounce to long off for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Flatter arm ball, sliding into off. Kusal Mendis blocks it from the crease toward short cover.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up full, at the stumps. Kusal Mendis prods and turns it towards the deep mid-wicket region, and they take two more.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Good running! Flatter delivery, turning away, around off. Kusal Mendis punches it into the gap at the deep backward point region and they scamper for the double.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter delivery, on the middle and leg stump line. Pathum Nissanka lets the ball come to him and nudges it through square leg for a brace. Sikandar Raza continues to be economical, just 21 from his 3 overs.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, Flighted, full, on the leg. Swept to fine leg for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, A fullish round-arm delivery, sliding down the leg. Kusal Mendis sits low and sweeps it straight to the short fine leg fielder. Kusal Mendis misses out on a freebie.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up on a fullish length, around off. Pathum Nissanka drives it down to long off for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Dropped short, outside off. Pathum Nissanka pulls it hard toward the gap at deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, Flatter and quicker delivery, attacking the stumps. Kusal Mendis tucks into the leg side for a single.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, EDGED AND FOUR! Graeme Cremer flights this up, full and on off, gets it to turn away. Pathum Nissanka prods forward to block but gets an outside edge past the keeper. The fielder at short third dives to his left but fails to stop it from going to the boundary. 86 for 1 are Sri Lanka at the halfway mark.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, FIFTY FOR NISSANKA! He has backed up his unbeaten hundred against the Aussies with a fantastic half-century here. This is short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka cuts it away to deep point for a couple of runs. His 19th fifty in T20Is, and he celebrates it with just a raise of the bat.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Play and a miss! Slower through the air, full and around off, turns further away. Pathum Nissanka goes down for the sweep but fails to connect.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Flighted, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka knocks it back to the bowler.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Floated, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka goes inside out and lofts it over extra cover for a couple of runs.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Put away! Graeme Cremer bowls a half-tracker, on middle, begging to be put away. Pathum Nissanka rocks back and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Slows it up, bowls this shortish and on off. Pathum Nissanka lets it come to him and plays it very late. Steers it to the left of short third for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Nicely tossed up, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka strides out and pushes it to short cover.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Wellington Masakadza drags his length back, outside off, there to be put away. Pathum Nissanka drags his pull but hits it from the toe-end of the bat wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Shorter in length again, around off, Kusal Mendis makes room and punches it through cover-point for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Flatter and shorter, outside off. Kusal Mendis backs away to cut but gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to short third.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Mendis, Good fielding! Flighted, full and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it wide of short cover, where the fielder dives to his left to stop the single.

Graeme Cremer to Kusal Mendis, Gives this one some more air, full and around off, Kusal Mendis taps it through covers for one more. Just 4 runs off Cremer's first over!

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Loops it up, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it to the right of the bowler. Graeme Cremer gently collides with Kusal Mendis as the ball rolls behind. They cross.

Graeme Cremer to Kusal Mendis, Slower through the air, full and on off, Kusal Mendis mistimes his drive off the bottom half of the bat towards long on for a run.

Graeme Cremer to Kusal Mendis, Flatter delivery, full and sliding down the leg, Kusal Mendis paddles it but cannot beat short fine.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Floated, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka comes down the track and drills it towards long off for a single.

Graeme Cremer to Pathum Nissanka, Flighted, full and on middle, turns away, Pathum Nissanka looks to push it away but gets an outside edge along the ground to point.

Spin from both ends? Yes, Graeme Cremer has been introduced into the attack now.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Another short delivery, on middle, Pathum Nissanka forces it down to long on for one more. A couple of tidy overs from the Zimbabwean captain.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, Dragged back, on middle, Kusal Mendis moves back and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, A carrom ball, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it to sweeper cover for another run.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Mendis eases it to long on for a run.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Mendis, Drops it short again, on off, turns in, Kusal Mendis stays back and punches it to short cover.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Floated, short and on middle, Pathum Nissanka nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, Good-length delivery, on off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and guides it away to deep third for one more. Sri Lanka are 61/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Brad Evans to Kusal Mendis, Pitched up and just outisde off, Kusal Mendis tries to drive it but ends up slicing it off the outer half of the bat to deep third for one.

Brad Evans to Kusal Mendis, Swing and a miss! Brad Evans bangs this into the pitch, around off, gets some extra bounce. Kusal Mendis goes for the pull but misses as the ball goes under his bat. The keeper, Tadiwanashe Marumani, grabs it and appeals, but nothing doing.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length and around leg, Pathum Nissanka fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye taken.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, Just wide! A slower delivery, full and on leg. Pathum Nissanka looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs up to the right of the bowler. Brad Evans on his follow-through changes direction quickly and dives but just fails to reach it. Top effort.

Brad Evans pulls out of his delivery stride. The ground underneath him gave way just as his back foot landed on it. The umpires take this opportunity and call for Drinks. Sri Lanka have got to a flying start here, the pair who did most of the damage against the Aussies is out there in the middle for them. Nissanka has picked up from where he left off in the last game. However, Zimbabwe will hope that they can build on that wicket of Kusal Perera and put some pressure on the middle order.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Deft touch! Brad Evans lands this on a good length and around off. Pathum Nissanka waits for it, opens the face of the bat and guides it using the pace, past short third for a boundary.

The next batter walking out is... Kusal Mendis. He has been in amazing form of late. His last three scores read - 51, 61, 56*.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, OUT! CAUGHT! Blessing Muzarabani strikes in the Powerplay. Bowls a slower and shorter delivery, angling down, the leg. Kusal Perera is early into the shot and pulls it straight to Graeme Cremer at short fine leg, who makes no mistake. Kusal Perera departs for 22 off 14 balls. Sri Lanka lose their first after an impressive opening stand.

Blessing Muzarabani to Pathum Nissanka, LEG BYE! Skiddy length ball, angling into the pad. Pathum Nissanka fails to work it away and it goes off the thigh pad towards the short fine leg region for a leg bye.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, Slower ball on a length, on off. Kusal Perera allows the ball to come toward him, and dabs it toward backward point for a run.

Blessing Muzarabani to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a good length, angling into off. Pathum Nissanka stabs it toward the left of the backward point fielder for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, Pace off, dug into the pitch, around off. Kusal Perera dabs it to short third for one.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Hammered! Hits the length hard, angling into off. Kusal Perera picks it early and dispatches the pull toward the left of deep mid-wicket for a thundering boundary. 50 up for Sri Lanka.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Up and over! Back of a length, outside off. Sits up nicely for Pathum Nissanka, who carves it toward the deep third region for a third boundary in the over. 14 from the over, expensive start from Evans as well.

Brad Evans to Kusal Perera, LEG BYE! Back of a length, angling into the hip. Kusal Perera misses the pull and it goes off the thigh pad to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Brad Evans to Kusal Perera, Skiddy, short of a good length, around off. Kusal Perera looks to punch from the crease, but fails to connect.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a good length, around off. Pathum Nissanka steers it toward the backward point region and a fine stop from the fielder keeps it to one.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR MORE! Shot of authority! Back of a length again, just outside off. Pathum Nissanka picks it early and smashes it towards deep mid-wicket for another cracking boundary.

Brad Evans to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! That's a hit-me ball! Back of a length, angling down the leg. Pathum Nissanka helps the pull past short fine leg for an easy boundary.

Brad Evans comes into the attack now.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up on off. Pathum Nissanka strokes it toward mid off, and a fumble from Raza allows the single. Zimbabwe have been a bit untidy in the field so far. 12 from the over.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Flighted and full, sliding down the leg. Pathum Nissanka plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Dispatched! Tossed up on a length, around off. Pathum Nissanka sits on his knee, takes it from outside off, and slogs it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter arm ball, sliding into the middle. Pathum Nissanka goes back and punches it to the cover fielder.

Wellington Masakadza to Kusal Perera, Flatter and quicker on the leg. Kusal Perera forces the pull through the square leg region for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, Looped up full, at the stumps. Pathum Nissanka eases it down to long off for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Wellington Masakadza is greeted with a boundary! Flatter arm ball, drifting into the leg pole. Pathum Nissanka sits low to sweep, gets the top edge that flies over the short fine leg fielder for a streaky boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Put away! Back of a length, on the middle and leg. Kusal Perera swings hard and swivel-pulls it past the man at short fine leg for another boundary. Sri Lanka are 20/0 after two overs.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, Back-of-a-length delivery, 137.7 clicks, around off. Kusal Perera looks to swivel pull, but it comes off the cue end, rolls toward the man at short cover.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, Short of a good length, angling away from the batter. Kusal Perera throws his bat and slices the drive over point for two more.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Smashed! Back of a length, on the middle and leg. Kusal Perera goes through with the shot and hacks it over the man at short mid-wicket for a boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Kusal Perera, Short of a good length, around the middle and off-stump line. Kusal Perera looks to pull, but misses and wears around the thigh pad.

Blessing Muzarabani to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, on the middle and leg. Pathum Nissanka tucks it through the backward square leg region for a single.

Who will share the attack? It will be Blessing Muzarabani.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up and full, around off. Pathum Nissanka drives it to the wide of mid off, and a slight misfield again allows an easy run. 9 runs from the opening over.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Perera, Flatter and quicker, just outside off. Kusal Perera knocks it toward the man at point and a fumble from the fielder allows the single.

Sikandar Raza to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Nicely done! Flatter delivery, turning away, around off. Kusal Perera plays it late and steers it through the gap at the backward point region for a lovely boundary.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter, turning into off. Pathum Nissanka nudges it to square leg for one.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka are away! Tad short, outside off. Pathum Nissanka pulls it hard toward the gap at deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Sikandar Raza to Pathum Nissanka, Sikandar Raza starts with a tossed up delivery, on the full, and on the pad. Pathum Nissanka sweeps and finds the man at short fine leg.

We are all set to begin! It is an overcast afternoon in Colombo. It is not a full house yet, but the fans are still coming in and filling up the stands. We can see the Zimbabwe players spread out and take up the fielding positions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the two openers for Sri Lanka. Some spin straightaway as Sikandar Raza takes the new ball. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the game, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle for the respective national anthems. It will be Zimbabwe's first, followed by that of Sri Lanka.

PITCH REPORT - Aaron Finch is near the playing area and starts by saying that it is hot and humid in Colombo, conditions that can sap the energy out of even the keenest outfielders. The Aussie informs that the square boundaries measure 71 and 76 metres, while straight down the ground stretches to a monstrous 82 metres, a proper hit if you are thinking of going aerial. Russel Arnold also chips in and observes that there is a hint of grass on the surface and expects it to play slightly sluggish. He reckons the effective length could be a touch shorter than usual and suggests that the batters would do well to find the gaps rather than take on the fielders, considering the dimensions of the ground. In his view, 170 could shape up as a very competitive total on this track.

Building a winning habit is a key focus - Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says the wicket should play well throughout the match and that they were keen to bowl first anyway. He hopes the bowlers make full use of the conditions and restrict Sri Lanka to a low total. Raza adds that topping the group and advancing to the Super 8 stage is a massive confidence boost for the side. With a full house expected today, he is hopeful of turning some Sri Lankan supporters into Zimbabwe fans by the end of the game. Raza also mentions that building a winning habit has been a key focus for the team, something he sees as a big positive. He confirms that Zimbabwe will field an unchanged XI.

The batters need to spend time at the crease - Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan captain, says the batters need to spend time at the crease and score runs. He confirms that Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan come into the side, while Dushmantha Chameera is rested. Shanaka admits that injuries are challenging, as the team always wants its best players available, but says they must adapt to the situation. He adds that their fielding has shown improvement, several key areas have worked in their favour, and he hopes the team can build on that momentum today.

Zimbabwe (Unchanged Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka (In place of Matheesha Pathirana), Pramod Madushan (In place of Dushmantha Chameera).

TOSS - Both the captains are out in the middle now. The coin goes up and lands in favour of Dasun Shanaka. Sri Lanka elect to BAT first.

All Eyes on R. Premadasa - Traditionally, the R. Premadasa surface has favoured spin, but the split between spinners and pacers in this tournament has been fairly even. With an afternoon start, expect the slower bowlers to have a say. There is, however, a thunderstorm lurking on the radar, and that could add another twist to the tale. Two unbeaten teams. One final tune-up before the Super 8s. Who keeps the momentum rolling? Toss and team news coming up shortly. Stay with us.

Sri Lanka’s home fortress - Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have been formidable at home. Three games, three convincing wins. Their most recent outing saw them chase down 182 against Australia with two overs to spare in a high-quality contest. Pathum Nissanka led from the front with a magnificent century, while Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake provided valuable support. With the ball, Dushmantha Chameera, Dushan Hemantha, and Dunith Wellalage have impressed, and Dilshan Madushanka joins the side, adding further depth to an already potent attack. The hosts will be eyeing a perfect four from four as they march confidently into the next phase.

Zimbabwe’s dream run - Zimbabwe have been one of the standout stories of the tournament. They opened their campaign with a commanding win over Oman and then stunned Australia with a thrilling 23-run victory. Their pace trio, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans, have been relentless, combining speed with discipline. With the bat, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and Tadiwanashe Marumani have stepped up when it mattered most. Their last game against Ireland was washed out, a result that sealed their qualification. Now, with belief surging through the camp, the Chevrons will look to sign off the group stage with another statement performance.

Unbeaten titans collide -  Two teams in sparkling form. Two unbeaten runs. And one final group-stage showdown before the Super 8s. Hello, and a warm welcome to our coverage of Match 38 of the T20 World Cup as Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium in a Group B clash. Both sides have already secured their place in the Super 8 stage, but make no mistake, this is far from a mere formality. Momentum matters. Confidence matters. And both teams will be keen to fine-tune their combinations before the knockouts.

…MATCHDAY…

Two teams, one proud journey - As the afternoon unfolds in Colombo and the buzz builds around the R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe step into a contest that brings together two of the most uplifting stories of this World Cup. Both teams are already through to the Super 8s, but with top spot in Group B and valuable momentum at stake, this clash promises far more than just a gentle tune-up for what lies ahead. The hosts keep finding a way - Sri Lanka have been outstanding, most recently brushing aside Australia thanks to Pathum Nissanka's superb unbeaten century and a stunning catch to remove Glenn Maxwell that flipped the match. Even injuries to Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana have not slowed them, with the Lankans conceding just 21 runs in the final four overs of that game to show off their death-bowling depth. Kusal Mendis has quietly anchored the batting with three consecutive fifties, while Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka have added late-innings punch, highlighted by Shanaka's rapid 19-ball fifty against Oman. A few cracks behind the shine - Despite their dominance, Sri Lanka's opening pair remains an area of concern, with no stand crossing 28 so far. With tougher tests ahead in the Super 8s, either Mishara or Kusal Mendis needs to find rhythm at the top. With the ball, Maheesh Theekshana has been their best performer, with 6 wickets and the best economy, backed well by Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage and Dushan Hemantha, while Pramod Madushan could get a look-in if Pathirana is not fully fit. A fairytale run for the Chevrons - Zimbabwe's story has been one of the feel-good tales of this World Cup. Less than two years after missing out on the 2024 edition and suffering a painful qualifying defeat to Uganda, they have roared back in stunning fashion, beating Australia and sealing their maiden Super 8 appearance. The way they have turned their fortunes around has made them one of the most talked-about teams of the tournament. Pace, power and a beating heart - Their progress has been driven by a potent pace attack led by Blessing Muzarabani, who has been virtually unplayable, picking up a three-for in the opener and a sensational 4 for 17 against the Aussies. Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava have offered excellent support, giving Zimbabwe a bowling unit that can hurt even the strongest line-ups. With the bat, Brian Bennett has been the standout, his unbeaten 64 against Australia underlining his growing stature, and he has been the only one to cross 100 runs, while Sikandar Raza remains the heartbeat of the side, contributing with both bat and ball, even if he has not yet hit top gear. Ryan Burl and Tadiwanashe Marumani have also chipped in with useful starts, though they will be keen to turn those into bigger scores, especially with Brendan Taylor sidelined through injury, leaving Zimbabwe without one of their most experienced and reliable run-scorers. Team Form (Last 5 T20Is, latest result first) - Sri Lanka - WWWLL | Zimbabwe - WWLLW. Past, present and possibility - Sri Lanka have won both previous T20 World Cup meetings in 2010 and 2012, but Zimbabwe's recent dominance - bowling them out for 80 and 95 in 2025, gives the Chevrons real confidence. In afternoon conditions that suit spin, and with the home fans behind, the hosts may have a slight edge, yet Zimbabwe's fearless brand of cricket means this is far from a formality. The forecast does look a bit gloomy with a high chance of rain around, but hopefully the clouds stay away and we get to see plenty of action out on the field. With both teams in form and brimming with belief, this feels like the perfect prelude to what promises to be a thrilling Super 8 stage.