Zimbabwe Tops Cricket World Cup Group, Upsets Co-Host Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe's cricket team just proved they belong on the world stage, stunning co-host Sri Lanka in front of a home crowd to cap an incredible group stage run at the T20 World Cup.

The African squad chased down a target of 179 runs with just three balls to spare on Thursday at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Opener Brian Bennett scored an unbeaten 63 runs while captain Sikandar Raza added a quick 45 to seal the victory.

The win gave Zimbabwe a perfect record in their completed group matches, with three wins and one rainout against Ireland. Just last week, they shocked Australia in another upset that sent the cricket world buzzing.

Sri Lanka had already qualified for the Super Eight before Thursday's match and finished the group stage with their first loss. The home team posted a competitive 178 runs, led by opener Pathum Nissanka's 62, but Zimbabwe's batting lineup proved too strong.

Bennett partnered with Tadiwanashe Marumani for a 69-run opening that set the stage for the chase. Raza then smashed four sixes and two boundaries in his 26-ball knock, bringing Zimbabwe within striking distance before Bennett hit the winning runs.

The Ripple Effect

Zimbabwe's journey carries extra meaning for cricket fans everywhere. The team didn't even qualify for the 2024 World Cup, making this year's run all the more remarkable.

They're now the only team in the Super Eight who earned their spot through a continental tournament rather than automatic qualification. That path makes them true underdogs heading into the next round.

The Super Eight draw won't make things easy. Zimbabwe faces defending champions India, plus South Africa and West Indies in Group One, while Sri Lanka takes on England, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group Two.

Captain Raza summed up the mood perfectly after being named player of the match. "I am pretty excited with how we have gone about our business," he said, adding that he'd try to enjoy at least one night of celebration.

Zimbabwe opens Super Eight play on Monday against West Indies, carrying momentum that nobody expected and a belief that anything is possible.