Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in Colombo
Zimbabwe pulled off the upset of the tournament, beating Australia by 23 runs in Colombo on Friday. Brian Bennett anchored the innings with 64* as his side posted 169-2. Australia collapsed to 146 all out in 19.3 overs, undone by Blessing Muzarabani’s 4-17 and relentless pressure at the death.
Early blows leave Australia reeling
Asked to chase 170, Australia lost four wickets inside five overs. Glenn Maxwell countered with 31 but fell with the rate climbing. Matt Renshaw battled to 65, yet partners kept departing as Zimbabwe’s seamers and fielders tightened the screws. Muzarabani led, with Brad Evans adding 3-23 to shut the door.
Bennett’s calm sets the platform
Put in to bat, Zimbabwe reached 47 without loss in the powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani made 35 before Marcus Stoinis struck, but Bennett and Ryan Burl added 70 to steer past 100. Captain Sikandar Raza finished 25* and launched the final ball for six to reach 169.
‘Zimbabwe shock Australia’—why it matters
This was their first T20 World Cup meeting in 19 years and a result that shakes Group B. Australia now face a tougher path to the Super Eight, while Zimbabwe gain momentum and belief. Selection and in-game choices—bowling first and an aggressive new-ball plan—will be scrutinised after this defeat.
Key numbers and turning points
Muzarabani’s 4-17 were match-defining. Evans’ middle-overs strikes stalled the chase. Australia’s stand-in captaincy and injuries added strain as the target kept drifting out of reach. The final margin—23 runs—reflected Zimbabwe’s control in both phases.
Zimbabwe’s win rewrites the group narrative. With Bennett’s composure up top and a sharp pace attack, the side showed a clear blueprint for pressure cricket on Colombo’s big stage.
