Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in an exciting encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, the 19th Group B encounter played on the 13th of February.
Zimbabwe vs Australia T20 World Cup 2026: Highlights
Zimbabwe, who were asked to bat, took off with a blistering start, reaching 47 runs without loss in the power play. The openers, BJ Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, set the pace for Zimbabwe, putting the Australians on the back foot from the very beginning.
Bennett played an instrumental role in Zimbabwe’s victory, hitting 64 runs off 43 balls and a half-century. Support from the middle order, especially from Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza, helped Zimbabwe reach 169/2 in 20 overs, setting the Australians an uphill target of 170.
Australia’s Batting Slump
Australia’s batting, however, could not get off the ground, especially after the loss of four wickets in the power play. The Australians were reduced to 38/4 in the first six overs, and things were slipping out of their control.
Matthew Renshaw’s 50 off 34 balls helped the Australians revive their innings, while Glenn Maxwell also played an impressive knock.
But the loss of rapid wickets and Zimbabwe’s tight bowling ensured that there were no major partnerships in the Australian camp, and the defending champions were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
Blessing Muzarabani Named Player of the Match
Blessing Muzarabani stole the show with an impressive 4 for 17, his pace and accuracy tearing apart the Australian top order, and he was awarded the Player of the Match award.
Match Result
Zimbabwe: 169/2 (20 overs)
Australia: 146 (19.3 overs)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 23 runs
Player of the Match: Blessing Muzarabani (4/17)
Zimbabwe’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 keeps their campaign alive and sends a bold message to the other teams in Group B.