T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett overtakes Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler to achieve a unique milestone

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Brian Bennett has been in sensational form for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026, emerging as the backbone of their historic campaign. The 22-year-old opener has displayed a level of unshakable composure that has left seasoned veterans in awe. He has now left behind legends like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler to achieve a massive milestone in the tournament’s history.

Bennett has officially set a new world record for the most runs scored in consecutive not-out innings in T20 World Cup history, reaching a staggering 175 runs without being dismissed. He surpassed Buttler’s 172 runs (2021) and Kohli’s 171 runs (2014-16) after playing a match-winning knock of 63 off 48 balls* against Sri Lanka on February 19.

Bennett’s journey in the tournament has been a masterclass in risk management; he started with a steady 48* against Oman, followed by a brilliant 64* in the shock upset over Australia and capped it off with the unbeaten fifty against the co-hosts. Remarkably, Bennett has achieved this feat without hitting a single six in the tournament so far, relying instead on 24 boundaries and elite strike rotation. This ‘invincible’ run has not only rewritten the record books but has established him as the gold standard for consistency in the shortest format.

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Zimbabwe have been the ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026, storming into the Super 8s as the undefeated leaders of Group B. Under the fearless leadership of Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons have orchestrated two of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history by defeating giants Australia and Sri Lanka.

Their victory over the Lankans in Colombo was particularly impressive, as they successfully chased down a challenging 179-run target with three balls to spare. The team’s success is built on a perfect blend of youthful energy from Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, combined with the clutch finishing of Raza and Ryan Burl. By finishing above three Test-playing nations with 7 points (three wins and one washout), Zimbabwe have fired a warning shot to the rest of the world. As they head into the next round, this resurgent African side is no longer just a participant, they are genuine contenders for a semi-final spot.

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