Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, T20 World Cup 2026 Live streaming: When, where and how to watch SL vs ZIM live on TV and online

Colombo, 19 February 2026 – The R. Premadasa Stadium hosts a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the Super 8s on Thursday afternoon as Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe lock horns in a contest that will decide the outright leader of their T20 World Cup group. With both sides already assured of progression, the prize on offer is more than mere bragging rights: top spot should deliver a theoretically smoother path when the tournament’s knockout phase begins.

Sri Lanka enter the clash in ominous touch. Comfortable wins over Oman and Ireland were followed by a commanding eight-wicket demolition of Australia, a result that announced Dasun Shanaka’s squad as genuine title contenders. Familiar home conditions have allowed the bowling trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesh Pathirana to operate with menace, while Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have provided explosive starts at the top of the order.

Zimbabwe, by contrast, have ridden the tournament’s most captivating narrative. A stunning upset of Australia, allied to a rain-affected no-result against Ireland, proved sufficient to eliminate the five-time champions and propel Sikandar Raza’s men into uncharted territory. The Africans have shown fearless cricket throughout, with Brian Bennett’s clean striking and Richard Ngarava’s disciplined new-ball spell embodying a team playing without pressure.

Thursday’s afternoon start—3:00 PM IST, toss at 2:30 PM IST—means dew is unlikely to play a major role, allowing the better-balanced side to press home any advantage. Sri Lanka are expected to stick with the XI that dismantled Australia, while Zimbabwe could yet spring a surprise if they opt to bolster either their pace or spin department.

Broadcast and streaming details for Indian viewers are straightforward: every ball will be carried live on the Star Sports Network, with digital audiences able to catch the action via the Jio Hotstar app and website. Real-time updates, scorecards and in-play clips will also be available on TimesofIndia.com.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Dushantha Chameera, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesa Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.

Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava.