sri lanka vs zimbabwe: Bennett steers Zimbabwe to top of Group B as Windies finish perfect group
Zimbabwe completed an unbeaten group-stage run at the T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday (ET), finishing top of Group B. Earlier the same day the West Indies closed out a flawless group campaign with a comfortable 42-run win over Italy at Eden Gardens in Kolkata (ET), highlighted by a standout bowling and fielding performance.
Bennett undefeated as Zimbabwe chase down 179
Sri Lanka posted 178 for 7 in their 20 overs, powered by Pathum Nissanka's 62 off 41 balls. The hosts also missed the services of Matheesha Pathirana through injury and rested seamer Dushmantha Chameera, and their fielding lapses – including dropped catches and misfields – proved costly in the chase.
Zimbabwe reached 182 for 4 with 19. 3 overs on the board. Opener Brian Bennett, who remains unbeaten in the tournament, anchored the chase with 63 not out from 48 deliveries, following a previous match-winning unbeaten 64. He shared an opening stand of 69 with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who made 34, and weathered middle-order contributions including Ryan Burl's 23 and captain Sikandar Raza's 45 off 26 balls.
The closing stages were tense: Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa departed in the penultimate over, leaving Zimbabwe needing eight from the final over. Tony Munyonga smashed a six to swing momentum before Bennett drove the winning runs through the covers three balls before the scheduled finish, completing a polished chase and securing top spot in Group B.
Zimbabwe progress into a Super 8s pool with co-hosts India, South Africa and the West Indies. Their first match at that stage is scheduled for Monday in Mumbai (ET) against the Windies. Sri Lanka and England, meanwhile, open their Super 8s campaigns against one another in Pallekele on Sunday (ET).
Windies unbeaten as Joseph stars with ball and in the field
The West Indies made a statement in Kolkata, compiling 165 for 6 with captain Shai Hope leading the way with a steady 75 off 46 balls. Italy were dismissed for 123 in 18 overs, with their top-scorer reaching 26 from 21 deliveries.
Shamar Joseph produced a rare and remarkable all-round match impact, claiming four wickets and taking four catches in the same T20 international — the first player to achieve that double in a single match at this level. Joseph finished with figures of 4 for 30, while teammates chipped in to restrict Italy's chase; one bowler returned 3 for 19 as the Windies bowlers combined to stifle the opposition.
The victory completed a 4-0 group stage for the two-time champions, who will carry momentum into the Super 8s after a consistent showing across batting, bowling and fielding in the opening phase of the tournament.
Implications and what to watch next
Zimbabwe's unbeaten group run underscores their growing consistency in the shortest format and hands them a favorable Super 8s draw against heavyweight opponents. Their blend of composed batting from Bennett and Raza’s big-hitting offers a dependable platform going into Mumbai.
The West Indies arrive in the next stage on the back of a complete group performance and with bowlers in form, notably Joseph's multi-faceted display. Sri Lanka will look to sharpen their fielding and bowling attack before their Super 8s opener, with questions over fitness and availability still to resolve.
All teams will have little time to recalibrate as the Super 8s fixtures begin in the coming days (ET), with form and momentum likely to be decisive in the compressed schedule.
