Colombo, February 13, 2026 — In a result that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Zimbabwe pulled off a historic 23-run victory over five-time champions Australia in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Despite missing key veterans, Zimbabwe’s clinical performance with both bat and ball proved too much for a depleted Australian side, marking their first T20 World Cup win over the Aussies since the 2007 inaugural edition.
Match Summary: Zimbabwe vs Australia, Group B
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
| Zimbabwe | 169/2 (20.0) | Brian Bennett 64* (48), Marumani 42 (32) |
| Australia | 146/10 (19.3) | Matt Renshaw 65 (44), Blessing Muzarabani 4/17 |
| Result | ZIM won by 23 runs | Player of the Match: Blessing Muzarabani |
Brian Bennett and Raza Power Zimbabwe to Competitive Total
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Zimbabwe openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (42) and Brian Bennett set the tone with a 75-run opening stand. Bennett played the anchor role to perfection, finishing on an unbeaten 64 off 48 balls*, decorated with four boundaries and two sixes.
Captain Sikandar Raza provided the middle-over impetus with a brisk 37, while Dion Myers (21* off 12) provided the late-innings fireworks to propel the Chevrons to 169/2. Australia’s bowling attack, missing the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, struggled for rhythm on a slow Colombo surface, with Adam Zampa (1/28) being the most economical.
Australia’s Chase Collapses Amid Muzarabani Masterclass
Australia’s pursuit of 170 got off to a disastrous start, crumbling to 12/4 within the first five overs. Speedster Blessing Muzarabani was the architect of the destruction, finishing with career-best figures of 4/17. He removed Josh Inglis and Cameron Green in quick succession, while Brad Evans (3/23) dismantled the middle order.
Matt Renshaw kept Australian hopes alive with a valiant 65 off 44 balls, finding brief support from Glenn Maxwell (23). However, once Muzarabani returned to remove Renshaw in the 17th over, the tail folded quickly, leaving Australia all out for 146.
Key Takeaways for Group B
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Zimbabwe’s Streak: Zimbabwe remains undefeated against Australia in T20 World Cup history (2-0).
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Injury Woes: Australia’s reliance on a depleted pace unit has become a glaring weakness.
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Super Eights Race: This upset throws Group B wide open, with Australia now needing a win in their final fixture to secure a spot in the Super Eight stage.
“This is a massive moment for Zimbabwe cricket. We knew the surface would suit our variations, and the boys executed the plan to perfection.” — Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe Captain.
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