Colombo, February 13: In a stunning upset at the T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs. With this victory, Zimbabwe has climbed to the second position in Group B’s points table, while Australia sits third after winning one and losing one of their two matches.
Batting first after losing the toss at R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe scored 169 runs for the loss of two wickets. The opening partnership between Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a strong start, accumulating 61 runs in just 7.3 overs. Marumani scored 35 runs off 21 balls, hitting seven boundaries before being dismissed.
Bennett then formed a crucial partnership with Ryan Burl, adding 70 runs for the second wicket in 51 balls, taking the score to 131. Burl contributed 35 runs off 30 balls, including four fours. Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 runs from 56 balls, hitting seven fours, while captain Sikandar Raza added a quick 25 runs off 13 balls to help set a challenging total.
For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green each took one wicket.
In response, Australia struggled, collapsing to 29 runs for the loss of four wickets. Glenn Maxwell attempted to stabilize the innings, partnering with Matt Renshaw to add 77 runs in 59 balls. However, once that partnership was broken, wickets fell rapidly.
Captain Travis Head scored 17 runs, while Maxwell managed 31 runs off 32 balls, including a six and a four. Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 65 runs off 44 balls, featuring one six and five fours.
Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs in four overs, while Brad Evans took three wickets. Wellington Masakadza and Burl each chipped in with one wicket.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
