Zimbabwe produced a major upset on Friday, defeating former champions Australia by 23 runs in their 2026 T20 World Cup Group B clash at the R Premadasa Stadium. Chasing 170, Australia were bowled out for 146, with fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivering a match-winning spell of 4/17.
The victory lifts Zimbabwe to second place in Group B, level on points with leaders Sri Lanka, while Australia sit third with two points from two matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights.
Zimbabwe made early inroads with the ball, claiming four wickets inside the powerplay to leave Australia reeling at 29/4. Muzarabani, along with Brad Evans, removed Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David and Travis Head within the first four overs. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw attempted to steady the innings, but struggled to maintain momentum. Maxwell’s resistance ended with a laboured 31 off 32 balls, effectively ending Australia’s hopes.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169/2 after opting to bat. Opener Brian Bennett struck a half-century, while captain Sikandar Raza provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls. Zimbabwe got off to a strong start through a 61-run opening stand between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Australia briefly pulled things back after Marumani fell for 35 off 21 deliveries.
Stand-in skipper Travis Head rotated his bowlers, bringing Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann and Maxwell into the attack, but Australia failed to stem the flow of runs. Bennett anchored the innings past the 100-run mark in the 13th over and added 70 runs with Ryan Burl. Burl made a brisk 35 before falling to Cameron Green.
Australia tightened up in the closing overs through Zampa and Nathan Ellis, but Raza’s late flourish — including the only six of the innings off the final ball — ensured Zimbabwe finished strongly and set up a memorable victory.
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