COLOMBO – Zimbabwe shocked Australia by 23 runs, securing their second group-stage victory in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Chasing the target of 170, Australia faltered under immense pressure, being bowled out for 146 in a nail-biting finish. The Kangaroos’ top order collapsed early as Josh Inglis managed just eight runs from four balls, including a six, before succumbing to Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani.
Brad Evans compounded Australia’s troubles by removing Cameron Green for a second-ball duck, leaving the visitors reeling at 24-2 in 2.5 overs. Muzarabani struck again, sending Tim David back to the pavilion without scoring.
Stand-in captain Travis Head tried to stabilize the innings, scoring 17 off 15 balls with three crisp boundaries, but fell at 29-4 in just 4.3 overs, leaving Australia in deep trouble.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw staged a valiant recovery, putting on a 77-run partnership to push Australia past 50 and revive hope. Yet Ryan Burl dismantled the stand in his first over, dismissing Maxwell for 31 off 32 balls, leaving Australia at 106-5 in 14.2 overs.
The pressure mounted as Wellington Masakadza trapped Marcus Stoinis for six off four balls in the 16th over. Renshaw held firm with a well-crafted fifty, but Brad Evans removed Ben Dwarshuis for six, reducing Australia to 131-7 in 17.4 overs.
In a dramatic climax, Muzarabani struck twice more, sending Renshaw back for 65 off 44 balls and dismissing Adam Zampa. Matthew Kuhnemann’s runout sealed the thrilling 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.
Muzarabani led the attack with figures of 4/23 in 3.3 overs, supported by three wickets from Brad Evans, and one each from Burl and Masakadza.
Zimbabwe’s innings had set the stage for this epic win. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a blistering 61-run stand, with Marumani scoring 35 off 21 balls, including seven boundaries, before being dismissed by Marcus Stoinis.
Bennett then joined forces with Ryan Burl to add another 70 runs, guiding Zimbabwe past the 100-run mark. Bennett notched his 10th T20I fifty, while Burl contributed 35 before being run out, leaving the score at 131-2 in 16 overs.
Captain Sikandar Raza’s quickfire cameo, scoring 25 off 13 balls with two boundaries and a six, helped Zimbabwe cross 150. The Chevrons finished their innings strongly, losing only two wickets in 20 overs, with Bennett unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls, including seven fours.
For Australia, only Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green managed a wicket each as their bowlers failed to contain Zimbabwe’s explosive batting.
This stunning victory not only boosts Zimbabwe’s campaign but also sends a clear message: the Chevrons are a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Australia vs Zimbabwe Squads
Australia: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
With a history of thrilling encounters and a world-class lineup on both sides, fans can expect fireworks as Australia takes the field first and Zimbabwe looks to rewrite history once again.
