Zimbabwe produced one of the shocks of the T20 World Cup as Blessing Muzarabani’s brilliant spell powered them to a 23-run victory over Australia in Colombo.
Defending a total of 169-2 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe held their nerve to bowl Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs, throwing Group B wide open after two matches each.
Muzarabani’s Match Winning Spell
The towering fast bowler delivered a superb 4-17, dismantling Australia’s chase at crucial moments. After Australia slumped to 29-4, Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell rebuilt with a 77-run partnership that briefly threatened to swing momentum.
With 34 needed from the final two overs, Muzarabani returned to bowl the penultimate over and struck decisively. Renshaw, who top-scored with 65 from 44 balls, miscued a shot and was caught with eight deliveries remaining, effectively ending Australia’s hopes.
Earlier breakthroughs from Muzarabani and Brad Evans had removed key figures including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David, leaving Australia under early pressure.
Measured Batting Sets Platform
Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 from 56 balls. Though his strike rate was modest, he provided stability after they were asked to bat first.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl added momentum with brisk contributions of 35 apiece, while captain Sikandar Raza supplied late impetus with an unbeaten 25 from just 13 deliveries, including the team’s only six off the final ball.
Their total of 169-2 initially looked slightly cautious, but proved more than enough on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers.
Group B Finely Balanced
Australia had entered the contest on the back of a convincing win over Ireland, but this defeat leaves them trailing both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the standings.
With Sri Lanka set to face Australia next, the group remains delicately poised. For Zimbabwe, currently ranked 12th in the world, the victory represents a statement performance and a reminder of their ability to challenge cricket’s heavyweights on the biggest stage.
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