GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The group stage of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup concluded with a seismic shock in Group B, as Zimbabwe stunned co-hosts Sri Lanka to finish top of the table, while the West Indies maintained their perfect record and Afghanistan sent Canada home with a final defeat.
Zimbabwe's Stunning Triumph Over Sri Lanka
In a low-scoring thriller at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, Zimbabwe pulled off one of the tournament's great upsets, defeating Sri Lanka by 9 wickets. The victory was built on a phenomenal bowling performance that dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup for a paltry 96 runs. Zimbabwe's chase, led by a composed unbeaten 48 from captain Craig Ervine, was clinical, sealing the win with more than five overs to spare.
The result sent shockwaves through the tournament, confirming Zimbabwe as Group B winners and casting Sri Lanka's campaign into disarray. Zimbabwe's bowlers, particularly the spin duo of Sikandar Raza and Wellington Masakadza, exploited the conditions masterfully. Reflecting on the monumental win, captain Craig Ervine stated, "This is a statement victory for us. To come here and beat a team of Sri Lanka's caliber, in their conditions, tops the group... it's incredibly special for the boys."
Where the Match Was Won and Lost
The key moments that defined the match included:
- Sri Lanka's catastrophic start: Losing both openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, within the powerplay.
- Spin stranglehold: Raza and Masakadza combined for figures of 8-0-38-4, never allowing the hosts to rebuild.
- Ervine's anchor role: The skipper's calm 48* off 40 balls ensured there were no nervous moments in the chase.
For Sri Lanka, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga cut a frustrated figure, lamenting his team's batting failure. "We simply did not apply ourselves with the bat. 96 is not a defendable total on any surface. We have a lot to think about," he conceded in the post-match presentation.
West Indies Cruise to Maintain Unbeaten Run
At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, the co-hosts West Indies delivered a commanding performance to defeat Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets, finishing the group stage with a perfect four wins from four. Chasing a modest target of 137, the Windies' powerful batting lineup made light work of the task, with Nicholas Pooran providing the fireworks in a blistering 27-ball 47.
The victory was set up by another disciplined bowling effort, led by the ever-reliable Gudakesh Motie (3/20) and Alzarri Joseph (2/18), who restricted PNG. The win solidified the West Indies' status as one of the tournament favorites. Captain Rovman Powell praised his team's professionalism: "The goal was to top the group and build momentum. The bowlers set the tone again, and the batters finished the job efficiently. We're building something nice here."
Afghanistan Send Canada Packing
In the final match of Group C, Afghanistan secured a comfortable 24-run victory over Canada at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 160/5, thanks largely to a brilliant 76 from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In response, Canada's chase never truly gained momentum against a varied Afghan attack, finishing at 136/7.
The match marked the end of Canada's World Cup journey and served as a farewell for their inspirational captain, Navneet Dhaliwal, who announced his retirement from international cricket following the tournament. Dhaliwal, who led Canada to a historic win over Ireland earlier in the group stage, received a guard of honor from both teams. "It's been an incredible journey. To lead my country at a World Cup and get a win is a dream. This team has a bright future," an emotional Dhaliwal said.
Looking Ahead to the Super Eights
With the group stage concluded, the Super Eight stage is now set, featuring a blend of established powerhouses and surprise packages. Zimbabwe's stunning win has dramatically altered the landscape, earning them a theoretically easier path. The West Indies and Afghanistan will carry significant confidence and winning streaks into the next round.
The key narratives emerging from the groups include:
- The rise of the underdog: Zimbabwe and USA have proven that associate nations are a genuine threat.
- Home dominance: Both co-hosts, West Indies and USA, topped their groups unbeaten.
- Spin to win: Successful teams like Afghanistan, India, and Zimbabwe have leveraged spin bowling as a primary weapon.
For Sri Lanka and other early strugglers like Pakistan and New Zealand, the early exit is a stark reminder of the increasing depth and unpredictability of T20 cricket on the global stage. The tournament has already provided unforgettable moments, from USA's historic win over Pakistan to Zimbabwe's heroics in Hambantota.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Upsets
The final day of the group stage perfectly encapsulated the theme of the 2024 T20 World Cup so far: unpredictability. Zimbabwe's victory over Sri Lanka stands as the defining upset, proving that rankings and reputation count for little in the shortest format. The West Indies, with their explosive power, look every bit the contenders, while Afghanistan's well-rounded unit continues to impress. As the competition moves into the high-stakes Super Eights, one thing is certain: the road to the trophy is wide open, and no team can afford an off day.