Colombo, February 13, 2026 – A major upset is brewing at the R. Premadasa Stadium as Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett anchored a disciplined batting performance to set a target of 170, before their bowlers tore through the Australian top order in a sensational Powerplay display.
Bennett’s Anchor Role Propels Zimbabwe to 169/2
After being sent in to bat by Australia’s stand-in captain Travis Head, Zimbabwe produced a batting masterclass adapted perfectly to the slowing Colombo surface. The star of the show was 22-year-old opener Brian Bennett, who struck his maiden T20 World Cup half-century.
Bennett’s unbeaten 64 off 56 balls was a lesson in precision, featuring seven boundaries and calculated risk-taking. He was supported by a blistering start from Tadiwanashe Marumani (35), with the pair putting on 61 for the first wicket.
Zimbabwe then consolidated through a record-breaking second-wicket stand. Bennett and Ryan Burl (35) added 70 runs—the highest second-wicket partnership for Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup history. Captain Sikandar Raza provided the finishing touch, smashing a quickfire 25 off 13 balls, including the only six of the innings on the final delivery to post a competitive 169/2.
Australia in Freefall: 4 Wickets Down in Powerplay
The chase began in nightmare fashion for the injury-depleted Australian side. Despite a flurry of early boundaries, the Zimbabwean pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantled the Aussie top order.
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Josh Inglis was the first to fall, caught off Muzarabani.
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Cameron Green followed shortly after, edged and taken off Evans.
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Travis Head, looking to stabilize, was cleaned up by Evans for a crucial breakthrough.
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Glenn Maxwell fell to Muzarabani just as the Powerplay concluded, leaving Australia reeling at 38/4 after 6 overs.
With the required run rate climbing above 9.40 and the pitch offering plenty for the spinners, Zimbabwe is now the firm favorite to secure a historic victory in this Group B encounter.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| Zimbabwe | 169/2 (20.0) | Brian Bennett 64* (56), Ryan Burl 35 (30) |
| Australia | 38/4 (6.0) | Travis Head 14 (10), Blessing Muzarabani 2/8 |
Status: Australia needs 132 runs from 84 balls.
Stay locked to PingTV for the second half of this thriller. Can the Australian middle order stage a miraculous recovery, or will the Chevrons complete one of the biggest wins in their T20 history?
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