COLOMBO: Zimbabwe produced a strong batting display to post 169 for 2 against Australia in their second group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday, led by an impressive unbeaten knock from Brian Bennett.
Batting first, Zimbabwe made an excellent start as openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put together a rapid 61-run stand, giving the Chevrons early momentum against the Australian attack.
Marumani’s fluent innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Marcus Stoinis after scoring a quick 35 off 21 balls, which included seven boundaries.
Bennett then continued to anchor the innings, forming a valuable partnership with Ryan Burl. The pair added 70 runs, taking Zimbabwe beyond the 100-run mark and keeping the scoring rate steady.
Bennett reached his 10th T20I half-century, displaying composure and timing as Zimbabwe built towards a competitive total. The partnership was eventually broken when Burl was run out for 35 off 30 deliveries, leaving Zimbabwe at 131 for 2 in the 16th over.
Captain Sikandar Raza provided late acceleration with a brisk cameo, helping Zimbabwe push past 150 in the closing overs.
Zimbabwe ended their innings strongly, losing only two wickets in the full 20 overs. Bennett finished unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls, striking seven fours, while Raza added 25 off 13 balls, including two fours and a six.
For Australia, Stoinis and Cameron Green picked up one wicket each, while the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s batters.
