Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Feb 13: Zimbabwe produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Australia by 23 runs in their second match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
A fiery spell from pacers Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) and Brad Evans (3/23) dismantled Australia’s batting line-up, bundling them out for 146 in 19.3 overs while chasing a target of 170.
Australia Falter Despite Renshaw’s Resistance
Australia’s chase unraveled early under probing swing bowling. Muzarabani struck with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing Josh Inglis. Cameron Green fell for a duck soon after, and Tim David, returning from injury, was also sent back without scoring. Stand-in captain Travis Head managed 17 before departing, leaving Australia struggling at 38/4 by the end of the powerplay.
Glenn Maxwell attempted to stabilise the innings alongside Matt Renshaw, with the pair adding 77 runs for the fifth wicket. While Renshaw played the aggressor, Maxwell accumulated steadily before being bowled by Ryan Burl for 31 off 32 balls in the 15th over.
Marcus Stoinis, who had sustained an injury earlier, briefly returned to bat but could only contribute six runs. Renshaw continued to fight, scoring a determined 65 off 44 deliveries, including five fours and a six, but lacked support as wickets fell at regular intervals. His dismissal in the 19th over effectively sealed Australia’s fate.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling effort was complemented by tight fielding, with Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl also chipping in with a wicket each.
Bennett Anchors Zimbabwe’s Competitive Total
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a challenging 169/2 after being put in to bat. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid a strong foundation with a 61-run partnership. Marumani scored a brisk 35 off 21 balls, striking seven boundaries before being dismissed by Stoinis in the eighth over.
Bennett then combined with Ryan Burl for a crucial 70-run stand during the middle overs. Burl contributed 35 off 30 balls before falling late in the innings, while Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 from 56 deliveries, reaching his half-century in 43 balls and guiding Zimbabwe to a competitive total.
The victory marked Zimbabwe’s second-ever T20 World Cup win over Australia, underlining their growing confidence on the global stage.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe 169/2 (20 overs) — Brian Bennett 64*; Ryan Burl 35; Tadiwanashe Marumani 35.
Australia 146 all out (19.3 overs) — Matt Renshaw 65; Glenn Maxwell 31.
Zimbabwe won by 23 runs.