Zimbabwe produced a sensational bowling performance to defeat Australia by 23 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo. Early wickets from Muzarabani and Evans dismantled Australia’s chase, sealing a famous and morale-boosting Group B victory.
Zimbabwe stun Australia in T20 World Cup 2026 thriller at Colombo
Colombo: In a stunning Group B clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe pulled off a famous victory over Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Asked to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169 for 2, a total that looked challenging but not insurmountable on a slightly sluggish surface. However, what followed was a spirited bowling display that left Australian supporters shell-shocked and Zimbabwean fans in jubilation.
The foundation of Zimbabwe’s win was laid by their new-ball pair, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans. Muzarabani struck with his very first over, removing Josh Inglis with a sharp short ball. Evans soon joined the party, dismissing Cameron Green and later Travis Head, who dragged one back onto his stumps.
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Australia’s top order crumbled under pressure, slipping to 29 for 4 inside the powerplay. The early breakthroughs shifted momentum decisively in Zimbabwe’s favour and silenced the Australian charge.
Despite the early collapse, Australia attempted a comeback through Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw. The pair stitched together a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket, stabilizing the innings and reviving hopes of a successful chase. Renshaw played a measured knock of 65, while Maxwell contributed 31 before falling to a clever slower delivery from Ryan Burl.
For a brief period, it seemed Australia had regained control. Everyone had hoped that Maxwell would play his repeat his innings like he played against Afghaistan in the ODI World Cup, when the team was engulfed in the same dilemma. However, Zimbabwe’s discipline with the ball and sharp fielding kept the required rate climbing.
As wickets continued to tumble, the pressure intensified. Marcus Stoinis fell cheaply, and the lower order struggled to keep up with the escalating asking rate. Muzarabani returned to deliver the knockout blow, finishing with four wickets and claiming his 100th T20I scalp in style.
The final moments were dramatic, with a direct-hit run-out by Brad Evans sealing a 23-run victory. Zimbabwe’s dugout erupted in celebration as they secured two crucial points and etched another memorable chapter in their cricketing history, reminiscent of their famous win over Australia in the 2007 edition.
This triumph was not just about individual brilliance but about assessing conditions better and executing plans with precision. Zimbabwe outplayed Australia in all departments—bowling, fielding, and game awareness. The result opens up Group B and sends a strong message to other contenders in the tournament.
