Colombo: Zimbabwe pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating Australia by 23 runs in a dramatic Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Defending a competitive 169, Zimbabwe rode on a sensational spell from Blessing Muzarabani, who claimed a career-best 4-17 to dismantle Australia’s batting line-up and seal a famous win.
The towering quick was unplayable, ripping through Australia’s top order and claiming his 100th T20I wicket in the process. Alongside him, Brad Evans (3-23) ensured the pressure never relented as Australia were bowled out for 146 in the final over.
The victory maintains Zimbabwe’s unbeaten record over Australia in T20 World Cups — their second win against the Aussies at the showpiece event after their famous triumph in 2007.
Earlier, young opener Brian Bennett anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with a composed 64 not out off 56 balls. He stitched a crucial 66-run opening stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani (35), giving Zimbabwe early momentum after stand-in skipper Travis Head opted to field.
Late fireworks from captain Sikandar Raza pushed Zimbabwe to 2-169 — a total they believed was competitive on a surface that wasn’t a 200-run wicket.
Australia’s chase unravelled almost immediately. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green fell cheaply, while returning big-hitter Tim David was dismissed for a second-ball duck.
At 3-25, the Australians were already under immense pressure. Head himself fell for 17 in unfortunate fashion, and despite resistance from Matthew Renshaw (65) and Glenn Maxwell (31), the required rate kept climbing.
Renshaw and Maxwell briefly revived hopes with a 77-run partnership — Australia’s highest fifth-wicket stand in T20 World Cup history — but Ryan Burl’s breakthrough ended the stand and triggered another collapse.
The African side now sit alongside Sri Lanka at the top of Group B with two wins from two matches, while Australia must beat Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
For Zimbabwe, it was a day of discipline, belief, and fearless execution — a statement win that has shaken up Group B and reminded the cricketing world that rankings mean little when it comes to World Cup cricket.
Source: Cricket.com.au
Photo credit: ICC/X
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