sri lanka national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team standings: Group B settled as Super Eight spots confirmed
Rain and a series of commanding performances have left Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe guaranteed places in the Super Eight phase of the T20 World Cup. The washout that halted the Ireland–Zimbabwe clash handed Zimbabwe a crucial point and set up a Thursday showdown with Sri Lanka in Colombo that will determine the Group B winner.
Current standings and how they arrived
Sri Lanka sit atop Group B after an emphatic set of results in the early rounds. The hosts opened with a 20-run victory over Ireland, then produced a 105-run demolition of Oman in Kandy and followed that with an eight-wicket success over Australia, powered by a century from an opener in Kandy. Those three wins leave Sri Lanka comfortably placed going into their final group fixture.
Zimbabwe moved into the second qualifying slot after a shock win over Australia and gained the point they needed when persistent rain forced the abandonment of their match with Ireland. That washout left Zimbabwe on five points, while Ireland finished on three. With both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe already through, their meeting in Colombo will simply decide who finishes top of the pool.
Australia's hopes evaporated after defeat by Sri Lanka and the rain-affected result in Kandy. The Australians remain with two points and one match left, which is now a dead rubber. Ireland's campaign concludes with valuable experience for several younger players, but it ends short of progressing.
What the Colombo match means — time in ET
The final Group B encounter — Sri Lanka versus Zimbabwe in Colombo — has lost none of its intrigue despite both teams being guaranteed Super Eight places. The winner will claim top spot in the group and take the marginal advantage that comes with seeding in the next phase.
The fixture is scheduled for Thursday at 09: 30 GMT, which converts to 5: 30 AM ET. Expect two teams that will play aggressively: Sri Lanka buoyed by home conditions and dominant chasing displays, and Zimbabwe riding the morale boost from their upset over Australia. Team selection and early-match momentum will be decisive in what promises to be a competitive contest.
Knock-on effects: Australia, Ireland and the broader picture
The rain-affected outcome in Kandy had immediate consequences beyond Group B placings. Australia, eliminated as a direct result, now face a meaningless final group match against Oman on Friday at 13: 30 GMT — 9: 30 AM ET — with no pathway to the Super Eight. That dead-rubber status shifts the focus for Australia to testing combinations and giving opportunities to fringe players ahead of future fixtures.
Ireland finish their group matches on three points. The side gained valuable experience for a mix of established performers and World Cup newcomers, but key moments in earlier matches ultimately determined their fate. The washout compounds the frustration, as it removed the possibility of completing a late push for qualification.
For Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, progression offers a reset and the chance to reassess strengths and tactical options ahead of the Super Eight. Sri Lanka’s momentum — built on aggressive batting displays and clinical chases — gives them a psychological edge, while Zimbabwe will aim to carry the confidence of a major upset and steady results into the next phase.
With the Super Eight line-up now complete from Group B, attention will shift to fine-tuning squads and strategies. The Colombo meeting between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe is the finishing touch on a group that saw both dominant wins and weather interruptions shape the final table.
