Colombo : In a sensational upset at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe defeated tournament favourites Australia by 23 runs in a gripping group-stage clash in Colombo on Friday. Australia, chasing 170, fell short and were bowled out for 146 in a nail-biting finish.
Australia’s innings began disastrously. Opener Josh Inglis managed just eight runs from four balls, including a six, before Blessing Muzarabani dismissed him. The slide continued when Brad Evans sent back Cameron Green for a second-ball duck, leaving Australia reeling at 24-2 in under three overs. Muzarabani struck again, removing Tim David for a duck, piling on the pressure.
Acting captain Travis Head attempted to stabilize the innings with 17 off 15 balls, but his dismissal pushed Australia to 29-4. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw staged a 77-run partnership, raising hopes of a recovery, only for Ryan Burl to break it with Maxwell’s wicket. Wellington Masakadza then trapped Marcus Stoinis, leaving Australia needing 53 from 25 balls.
Renshaw fought hard, reaching a well-earned fifty, but dismissals of Ben Dwarshuis, Renshaw, and Adam Zampa, followed by a run-out of Matthew Kuhnemann, sealed Australia’s fate, 23 runs short.
Zimbabwe had set the tone early. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani shared a 61-run opening stand before Marumani fell for 35 off 21 balls. Bennett then paired with Ryan Burl, adding 70 runs to push Zimbabwe past 100. Captain Sikandar Raza finished the innings with a quick cameo, helping Zimbabwe reach 169-2 in 20 overs.
Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls with seven fours, while Raza added 25 off 13, including a six. For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green took one wicket each, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain Zimbabwe, who defended their total with composure.
Zimbabwe’s victory marks one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, demonstrating their ability to compete with the top sides on the world stage.
