Colombo, 13 February (Sports Desk)
Zimbabwe Stun Australia by 23 Runs in Historic T20 World Cup Upset – Blessing Muzarabani Shines as Player of the Match!
In one of the biggest shocks of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 23-run victory over powerhouse Australia in the Group B clash (Match 19) on February 13, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This result marks Zimbabwe’s continued dominance over Australia in T20 World Cups (they remain undefeated against them in the tournament) and throws Group B wide open, with Zimbabwe now boasting 4 points and topping the table alongside others.
watch…..India Demolish Namibia by 93 Runs – Hardik Pandya Lights Up Delhi!
Match Summary
- Zimbabwe batted first and posted a competitive 169/2 in 20 overs on a slow, tricky pitch.
- Australia, chasing 170, were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack, led by pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani and supported by Brad Evans, dismantled Australia’s star-studded lineup early. The Aussies never truly recovered after losing 4 wickets in the powerplay, despite a fighting knock from Matt Renshaw.
Key Performances
Zimbabwe Batting
Zimbabwe’s top order laid a solid foundation with even contributions:
- Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on a composed 64* (key anchor innings).
- Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed 35.
- Ryan Burl added 35.
- Captain Sikandar Raza provided a quickfire 25 off 13 balls to boost the total.
This was Zimbabwe’s highest score against Australia in T20Is, built through smart accumulation and acceleration.
Bowling Heroes
- Blessing Muzarabani delivered a career-best spell: 4/17 in 4 overs, ripping through the top order (including key scalps like Josh Inglis, Tim David, and Adam Zampa with a stunning yorker). His figures included ripping out early wickets and finishing strongly – earning him the Player of the Match award (also marking his 100th T20I wicket milestone in style).
- Brad Evans backed him brilliantly with 3/23 (including 3 wickets to choke the middle order).
- The duo exploited the slow Colombo surface perfectly, restricting Australia to well below the target.
Australia Batting
- Matt Renshaw top-scored with a valiant 65 (off 44 balls), but lacked support.
- Glenn Maxwell chipped in with 31.
- Early collapses (e.g., 29/4 in powerplay) proved fatal, with wickets falling to Muzarabani and Evans.
Australia’s chase never gained momentum, and Zimbabwe’s fielding and bowling pressure sealed one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far.
Player of the Match: Blessing Muzarabani
Muzarabani’s fiery, accurate pace bowling was the difference-maker. His 4/17 dismantled Australia’s top order in the powerplay and ensured no recovery. Post-match, he highlighted team belief and execution on a challenging pitch. His all-round impact (including death-over yorkers) earned widespread praise as the architect of Zimbabwe’s famous win.
This victory is a massive statement from Zimbabwe – proving Associate nations can challenge the big guns with skill and heart. Group B is now chaotic, with huge implications for Super 8 qualification!
What an incredible day for cricket! 🇿🇼
