COLOMBO: Zimbabwe delivered a stunning performance to beat Australia by 23 runs and secure their second win of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Defending 169, Zimbabwe bowled Australia out for 146 in a dramatic encounter. The chase unravelled early as Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Josh Inglis for eight before Brad Evans removed Cameron Green for a duck, reducing Australia to 24-2 inside three overs. Muzarabani struck again to send Tim David back without scoring, while stand-in skipper Travis Head fell for 17, leaving Australia struggling at 29-4.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw revived hopes with a 77-run partnership, but Ryan Burl broke through by dismissing Maxwell for 31. Wellington Masakadza then removed Marcus Stoinis as the required rate climbed. Renshaw battled on to score a valiant 65, yet Muzarabani returned to dismiss him and Adam Zampa late in the innings, before Matthew Kuhnemann was run out to seal Zimbabwe’s victory.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169-2 after an impressive start. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani shared a brisk 61-run opening stand, with Marumani scoring 35. Bennett then combined with Burl in a 70-run partnership to push Zimbabwe past 100. Bennett struck an unbeaten 64, while captain Sikandar Raza added a quick 25 to finish strongly.
Stoinis and Green picked up one wicket apiece, but Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s disciplined batting effort.
