Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in a dramatic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. Playing at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the 11th-ranked Zimbabwe side outplayed second-ranked Australia in a Group B encounter, strengthening their position in the race for T20 World Cup qualification while putting the former champions under serious pressure.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by an unbeaten 64 from Brian Bennett. The 22-year-old opener produced a controlled and calculated innings, striking seven boundaries in his 56-ball knock and registering his 10th half-century in T20 internationals. Bennett built crucial partnerships, adding 61 for the opening wicket with Tadiwanashe Marumani before combining with Ryan Burl for a record 70-run stand for the second wicket — Zimbabwe’s highest partnership for that wicket in T20 World Cup history.
Australia’s run chase faltered almost immediately as Zimbabwe’s pace attack dismantled the top order. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans reduced Australia to 29 for 4, shifting the momentum firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour. Muzarabani emerged as the standout performer with outstanding bowling figures of 4 for 17, ensuring Australia never fully recovered from the early collapse.
A glimmer of hope appeared for Australia when Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw stitched together a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket, briefly reviving their T20 World Cup campaign. However, the turning point came when part-time leg-spinner Ryan Burl dismissed Maxwell for 31, inducing him to drag the ball onto his stumps. From 106 for 4, Australia slumped to 146 all out in 19.3 overs, sealing a memorable Zimbabwe victory.
Australia’s troubles were compounded by the absence of captain Mitchell Marsh, along with previously ruled-out fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leaving their bowling attack depleted. Marcus Stoinis also suffered a blow to his left palm while attempting a return catch and managed only six runs after coming out to bat in visible discomfort. Power-hitter Tim David returned to the side after missing the Ireland match but was dismissed for a two-ball duck in his first appearance since recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Big Bash League.
Zimbabwe’s emphatic performance follows their commanding win over Oman earlier in the tournament, reinforcing their credentials as serious contenders in Group B. Meanwhile, Australia — who had defeated Ireland earlier in the week — now face must-win encounters against Sri Lanka and Oman to avoid an early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a scenario that would mark a stunning collapse for the former champions.