The victory throws Group B wide open, with Zimbabwe now topping the table. Australia, battling injuries to key players, faces a crucial challenge to revive their title defence.
Colombo: Zimbabwe stunned the cricket world on Friday, pulling off a massive 23-run upset over Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium to throw Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 wide open.
In a performance reminiscent of their historic 2007 victory, the "Chevrons" defended a total of 169 runs, capitalising on an injury-ravaged Australian side that collapsed to 146 all out under the lights in Colombo.
Bennett Anchors the Innings
After being sent in to bat by stand-in Australian captain Travis Head, Zimbabwe posted a formidable 169/2.
- The Standout: 22-year-old opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, hitting seven boundaries.
- Support Cast: Bennett shared a record 70-run second-wicket stand with Ryan Burl (35), while captain Sikandar Raza provided a late surge with a brisk 25 off 13 balls*.
- The Six Dearth: Remarkably, Zimbabwe hit only one six in their entire innings, a final-ball strike by Raza, relying instead on precision and aggressive running between the wickets.
The Muzarabani Masterclass
The Australian chase began in disastrous fashion as Zimbabwe's pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani dismantled the top order.
- Powerplay Collapse: Australia was reduced to a staggering 29/4 within the first four overs. Muzarabani removed Josh Inglis and Tim David, while Brad Evans claimed the scalps of Cameron Green and Travis Head.
- Renshaw’s Resistance: Matt Renshaw kept Australian hopes alive with a gritty maiden T20I half-century (65 off 44), but he lacked support as Glenn Maxwell (31) struggled with the humid conditions before being cleaned up by Burl.
- The Final Blow: Muzarabani returned to end Renshaw’s resistance in the 19th over, finishing with elite figures of 4/17 as Australia was eventually bowled out in the final over.
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
| Zimbabwe | 169/2 (20.0) | Brian Bennett (64*), Ryan Burl (35) |
| Australia | 146 (19.3) | Matt Renshaw (65), Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) |
| Result | ZIM won by 23 runs | Zimbabwe's first win vs AUS in 19 years |
Deepening Injury Woes
The loss is a significant blow to an Australian squad already missing stars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
- Captain Sidelined: Regular skipper Mitch Marsh remained in the medical tent following internal testicular bleeding sustained in training.
- New Concerns: All-rounder Marcus Stoinis added to the casualty list, leaving the field in the 16th over with a thumb injury after attempting a return catch.
Zimbabwe now moves to the top of the group alongside hosts Sri Lanka, while Australia must regroup before their next fixture to keep their title defence alive.
Published: 13 Feb 2026, 02:53 pm IST
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