Zimbabwe Beat Australia To Stage First Upset Of T20 World Cup 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe sealed a commanding 23-run victory over Australia in the 19th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, February 13.

This victory marked only the second time Zimbabwe has defeated Australia in T20 internationals, with their previous triumph coming in the 2007 edition of the World Cup.

ALSO WATCH: Hardik Pandya Fan Breaches Security at Arun Jaitley Stadium During T20 World Cup 2026 Game vs Namibia 

Blessing Muzarabani was named Player of the Match for his outstanding spell in the second innings, where he claimed four wickets in four overs while conceding just 17 runs at an economy rate of 4.20.

Brian Bennett Powers Zimbabwe To 169/2 In First Innings

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl, but Travis Head’s decision backfired. Brian Bennett (64* off 56 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (35 off 21 balls) gave Zimbabwe a strong start with a 61-run opening stand. Marcus Stoinis provided the breakthrough by dismissing Marumani in the eighth over.

Ryan Burl (35 off 30 balls) then joined Bennett to build a crucial 131-run partnership. Cameron Green eventually removed Burl in the 16th over, but Zimbabwe’s momentum continued. Skipper Sikandar Raza (25 off 13 balls) and Bennett remained unbeaten, guiding Zimbabwe to a competitive total of 169/2 in their innings.

The victory has been hailed as a landmark moment for Zimbabwe cricket, showcasing their resilience and ability to challenge top-tier teams on the world stage.

The Australian bowling attack delivered a disappointing performance in the match, failing to take wickets at crucial moments. Their struggles made it evident that they are competing in the T20 World Cup 2026 without their frontline pacers.

ALSO READ: Indian Pacer Mohammed Siraj Pokes Fun At Barcelona's 4-0 Defeat To Atletico Madrid In Copa Del Rey Semi-Final

Blessing Muzarabani Stars With Four-Wicket Haul

During the run chase, Australia’s batters struggled against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans.

Matt Renshaw was the only standout performer for the Aussies in the second innings, scoring 65 runs off 44 balls at a strike rate of 147.73. He struck five fours and one six, but his efforts were not enough to secure victory. In the 19th over, Muzarabani dismissed Renshaw, effectively ending Australia’s hopes of a comeback.

Muzarabani led the charge with a brilliant four-wicket haul, while Brad Evans also impressed, claiming three wickets for just 23 runs at an economy rate of 6.60.