Sikandar roars in Colombo: Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka, fire warning shot at India
Times of India
by PRATYUSH RAJFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Zimbabwe’s cricket team delivered a stunning six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo, showcasing their batting prowess in a thrilling T20 World Cup match. Chasing 178, Zimbabwe relied on an explosive innings by captain Sikandar Raza, who played a blistering 45 runs off just 26 balls to steer his team to a decisive win. With three balls remaining, opener Brian Bennett sealed the victory with an unflinching performance of 60 not out. This win marked Zimbabwe’s third consecutive triumph in the group stage, including a notable victory over defending champions Australia, cementing their status as serious contenders in the tournament.
Raza’s performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression and strategic batting. He began cautiously, rotating the strike against Sri Lanka’s spinners while keeping the asking rate manageable. As Zimbabwe approached the halfway mark, Raza stepped up his intensity, capitalizing on loose deliveries to turn the tide in their favor. His decisive blows, including a stunning 101-meter six, highlighted his ability to dominate even the most challenging bowlers. Despite moments of resistance from Sri Lanka’s bowlers, such as Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka, Raza’s composure ensured Zimbabwe’s steady progress toward the target.
The match was not just about individual brilliance but also underscored Zimbabwe’s team unity and adaptability. Raza
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026