Sri Lanka wins toss and bats first against Zimbabwe in Colombo T20 World Cup match

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first against Zimbabwe in their T20 World Cup match in Colombo. This game will decide who tops Group B.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Sri Lanka |

The stakes were high as Sri Lanka, leading Group B, faced Zimbabwe in a T20 World Cup encounter. Both teams had already secured spots in the Super Eights, but the match determined the group topper, adding a competitive edge to the fixture played in Colombo.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka elects to bat against Zimbabwe - 1

Match Overview and Team Selections

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bat first against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This decision was made in the heat of Colombo, potentially influencing the team's strategy.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka elects to bat against Zimbabwe - 2

  • Sri Lanka's Playing XI:

  • Pathum Nissanka

  • Kusal Perera

  • Kusal Mendis (wk)

  • Pavan Rathnayake

  • Dasun Shanaka (c)

  • Kamindu Mendis

  • Dunith Wellalage

  • Dushan Hemantha

  • Maheesh Theekshana

  • Pramod Madushan

  • Dilshan Madushanka

  • Zimbabwe's Playing XI:

  • Brian Bennett

  • Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)

  • Dion Myers

  • Sikandar Raza (c)

  • Ryan Burl

  • Tony Munyonga

  • Tashinga Musekiwa

  • Brad Evans

  • Wellington Masakadza

  • Graeme Cremer

  • Blessing Muzarabani

Zimbabwe opted to retain the same team that played their previous match, which included a victory against Australia. Sri Lanka, however, made a change due to injury, bringing Dilshan Madushanka into the team. He replaced Matheesha Pathirana, who was ruled out due to injury. Dushmantha Chameera, another fast bowler, was rested, with Madushanka coming into the eleven.

Read More: Australia Women Beat India by 40 Runs to Lead Series 2-0 on Feb 19, 2026

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka elects to bat against Zimbabwe - 3

Group Standings and Implications

Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe had already advanced to the Super Eights from Group B. Sri Lanka held the lead in the group with six points from three matches, while Zimbabwe were in second place with five points from two wins and a washed-out game. The outcome of this match was significant for determining the top spot in Group B. Australia, from the same group, had already been eliminated.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka elects to bat against Zimbabwe - 4

Key Player Movements and Selections

  • Dilshan Madushanka's Inclusion: Madushanka was a direct replacement for the injured Matheesha Pathirana. He was also one of two fast bowlers brought in, alongside Pramod Madushan.

  • Dushmantha Chameera's Rest: The decision to rest lead fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera allowed for an evaluation of other bowlers.

Contrasting Team Strategies

AspectSri LankaZimbabwe
Toss ResultWonLost
DecisionElected to batAsked to bowl (following Sri Lanka's decision)
Team ChangesOne forced change: Dilshan Madushanka in for injured Matheesha PathiranaNo changes: Unchanged XI from previous match
Strategic AimTo leverage batting strength upfront, possibly influenced by Colombo heat.To maintain continuity and momentum from previous performance.

Match Events and Performance Indicators

  • Opening Partnership: Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, demonstrated effective batting and quick running between wickets. Nissanka reached a significant score.

  • Wicket Takers: Graeme Cremer and Blessing Muzarabani were among the bowlers who took wickets for Zimbabwe. Brad Evans and Sikandar Raza were also part of the bowling attack.

  • Score Progression: Sri Lanka reached 100 runs for the loss of two wickets by the 12th over. By the 13th over, they were 108 for 3.

  • Key Dismissals: Pathum Nissanka was eventually dismissed after scoring 62 runs. Kusal Perera was caught by Cremer off Muzarabani. Kusal Mendis was stumped by Marumani off Burl.

Expert Commentary and Observations

  • Sources indicate that Sri Lanka's bowlers were reportedly full of confidence, with conditions in Colombo believed to favour them.

  • The presence of Dilshan Madushanka in the squad was noted as a potential factor for Sri Lanka's bowling strength.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Sri Lanka's decision to bat first after winning the toss set the tone for the match. Despite Australia's elimination, the encounter held importance for determining the group winner. Sri Lanka's strategic bowling changes and Zimbabwe's decision to field an unchanged side presented contrasting approaches. The performance of key players like Pathum Nissanka and the effectiveness of the bowling attacks will be crucial in the unfolding game and their subsequent progress in the T20 World Cup.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Sri Lanka choose to bat first against Zimbabwe in Colombo on February 19, 2026?
Sri Lanka's captain won the toss and decided to bat first. This was likely influenced by the heat in Colombo and their strategy to use their batting strength early in the game.
Q: What is the importance of the Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match played in Colombo?
Both teams had already qualified for the Super Eights. This match was important because it decided which team would finish first in Group B.
Q: Did Sri Lanka make any changes to their team for the match against Zimbabwe?
Yes, Sri Lanka made one change because a player was injured. Dilshan Madushanka replaced Matheesha Pathirana, who was out with an injury. Another fast bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, was rested.
Q: Did Zimbabwe change their team for the match against Sri Lanka?
No, Zimbabwe kept the same team that played their last match. They had won their previous game against Australia.
Q: How did Sri Lanka's batting perform in the match against Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, batted well. Pathum Nissanka scored 62 runs before he was out. Sri Lanka reached 100 runs for 2 wickets by the 12th over.