Major Upset in T20 World Cup 2026 : Zimbabwe Stun Australia by 23 Runs

Colombo

In a major upset at the T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs. With their second consecutive win in the tournament, Zimbabwe climbed to second place in the Group B points table, while Australia slipped to third after losing one of their two matches.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 169 for 2. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave the team a flying start, adding 61 runs in 7.3 overs. Marumani scored 35 off 21 balls, smashing seven boundaries before returning to the pavilion.

Bennett then combined with Ryan Burl for a 70-run partnership off 51 balls for the second wicket, taking the team to 131. Burl scored 35 off 30 deliveries with four boundaries. Thereafter, Bennett and captain Sikandar Raza stitched an unbeaten 38-run stand to guide Zimbabwe to a challenging total.

Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls, hitting seven fours, while Sikandar contributed a quickfire 25 not out off 13 deliveries. For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Australia were bowled out in 19.3 overs. The team lost four wickets for just 29 runs early on. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw attempted to steady the innings with a 77-run partnership off 59 balls, but once the stand was broken, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Captain Travis Head scored 17 runs, while Maxwell made 31 off 32 balls, including one six and one four. Renshaw played a fighting knock of 65 off 44 balls, hitting one six and five boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Brad Evans picked up three wickets, while Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl took one wicket each.

 

 

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