With Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe having both secured their spots in the Super 8s, Thursday’s fixture in Colombo may look like a mere formality. However, the winner of this clash will finish as the Group ‘B’ topper. Sri Lanka want confirmation of their dominance.

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Zimbabwe, on the other hand, seek validation of belief. Zimbabwe weren’t meant to be here. Yet, they stand tall after their 23-run ambush of Australia that cracked Group ‘B’ wide open. When rain washed away their clash against Ireland, it effectively sealed Australia’s fate.

Opener Brian Bennett, potentially seen as Zimbabwe’s finest batter in the last decade, has been their talisman in this campaign. Pacer Blessing Muzarabani’s four-wicket demolition of Australia transformed Zimbabwe from hopeful participants to giant-slayers.

Sri Lanka’s journey to the Super 8s has been smoother. Dominant wins over Oman and Ireland showcased control while an emphatic eight-wicket dismantling of Australia underlined their credentials. Captain Dasun Shanaka will not allow complacency to creep in.