Colombo: In a major upset at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat powerhouse Australia by 23 runs in their Group B encounter on Friday (February 13) at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Zimbabwe posted a chaseable total of 169 for 2 in their 20 overs after Australia captain Travis Head won the toss and elected to field. Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, providing stability on a slow, spin-friendly surface that made strokeplay challenging.
Australia got off to a nightmare start as Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantled the top order in the powerplay. The duo removed Josh Inglis, Cam Green, Tim David and Travis Head, reducing the team to 29/4 within the first four overs. A resilient knock of 65 from Matthew Renshaw and a 77-run fifth-wicket partnership with Glenn Maxwell could do little as the Kangaroos were bundled out for just 146 in 19.3 amid Zimbabwe’s tight bowling attack.
Muzarabani bowled a career-best 4 for 17 while Brad claimed 3 for 23 along with a sharp direct-hit run-out in the final moments to seal the match. Australia needed to hit 24 runs in the final four balls of the match.
The result has thrown Group B into disarray, dealing a significant blow to Australia’s Super 8 qualification hopes with the team dropping to No. 3 spot. Any two of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Australia can still progress.
