ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Colombo, Feb 18: Surprise package Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will battle for bragging rights when they clash in a compelling T20 World Cup fixture here on Thursday, with both teams having already secured their spots in the Super 8s.
The outcome of this match will determine the group topper.
Sri Lanka have emerged as strong contenders, leveraging their knowledge of local conditions to defeat Oman and Ireland, while crushing Australia by eight wickets to establish themselves as a well-rounded side with the potential to go all the way.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, claimed their spot in the Super 8s thanks to their giant-killing win over Australia and the weather, as their match against Ireland was abandoned. By virtue of the shared points, they ended Australia’s hopes of advancing, becoming the unlikely qualifiers.
Sri Lanka are unlikely to relax despite already qualifying for the Super 8s, and will aim to maintain their winning momentum and top the group, which could give them a favourable match-up in the next stage. The islanders boast a fully fit leg-spinner in Dushan Hemantha, alongside Maheesh Theekshana, who will provide ample support to the pacers.
While it will be tough for Zimbabwe to tackle Sri Lanka’s diverse bowling attack, their qualification for the Super 8s makes them a dangerous side that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Opener Brian Bennett has posted two unbeaten scores of 64 and 48 against Australia and Oman respectively, demonstrating his strong adaptation to the conditions. On the bowling front, veteran pacer Blessing Muzarabani was the standout, derailing Australia with a brilliant four-wicket haul, making Zimbabwe a dangerous all-round side.
Match starts: 3 pm IST.
