In what shapes up as a strong tune-up ahead of the Super Eight, Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in the final Group B match with both teams already through to the next round. The contest offers a valuable test of combinations and form as momentum becomes crucial in the business end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match details
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 2:00 PM IST, 2:30 PM PST,9:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
Sri Lanka
Co-hosts Sri Lanka have enjoyed a flawless group-stage campaign and sit comfortably at the top of Group B with three consecutive victories. The side has looked settled and confident, with clarity in roles across batting and bowling departments. Their ability to adapt to conditions at home venues has stood out, especially on surfaces that demand patience and smart shot selection.
The Lankan batting unit has shown depth, with top-order stability and a middle order capable of accelerating without panic. Their bowling attack has complemented the batters well, using variations and discipline rather than relying purely on pace. With qualification already secured, Sri Lanka will aim to maintain intensity, fine-tune combinations, and carry winning momentum into the Super Eight stage.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have scripted one of the standout stories of the tournament by qualifying for the Super Eight after missing out on the 2024 edition. Their group-stage journey included a landmark win over Australia, a result that underlined their growing confidence and tactical maturity.
While Zimbabwe enter this match as underdogs on paper, their performances suggest a side that thrives when underestimated. They have played fearless cricket, particularly with the ball, and their batting has shown resilience under pressure. Facing Sri Lanka in Colombo presents their toughest test so far, but it also offers an ideal benchmark ahead of the knockout phase.
Key players
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka remains the batter to watch. The opener arrives after a sensational 113 against Australia and has provided consistent starts at the top of the order. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining scoring momentum gives Sri Lanka early control in matches.
Zimbabwe will once again look to Blessing Muzarabani to lead their bowling attack. The tall pacer has taken nine wickets in three matches and delivered a match-winning four-wicket haul against Australia. His bounce and movement with the new ball make him a genuine threat, even on batting-friendly surfaces.
Head-to-head record
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have met 11 times in T20 internationals. Sri Lanka have won three matches, while Zimbabwe have also claimed three victories. There have been no ties or no-results. The first meeting took place on October 10, 2008, and their most recent encounter came on November 25, 2025.
Pitch report
The R Premadasa Stadium has hosted four matches in the tournament so far, and all four have been won by teams batting first. The surface has proved tricky, rewarding teams that post competitive totals and apply scoreboard pressure. Batters who spend time at the crease tend to prosper, while bowlers who vary pace and length have found success, particularly in the middle overs. The toss could play a significant role, with captains likely to prefer batting first.
Probable match scenarios
If Sri Lanka bat first, they will aim to build a solid platform through the powerplay before accelerating in the latter half, targeting a total that puts Zimbabwe under pressure. Zimbabwe, in response, may look to strike early with the ball to disrupt Sri Lanka’s rhythm.
If Zimbabwe bat first, they will focus on a disciplined start and hope their middle order can push the score to a competitive range. Sri Lanka’s spinners and death bowlers will then look to choke scoring options and force errors.
Probable playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicketkeeper), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast on JioStar Network Channels, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan, the UK, Australia, and other regions can watch through official ICC broadcast partners and authorized digital platforms in their respective territories.
Match prediction
Sri Lanka enter the contest as favorites due to home conditions, form, and squad balance. Zimbabwe have the firepower to challenge them, but over a full match, Sri Lanka’s consistency and depth should give them the edge.
