Zimbabwe produced the first major upset of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a 23-run victory over Australia in Colombo on Friday.
After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted an imposing 169-2, a total that ultimately proved beyond Australia, who were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs while chasing 170.
Blessing Muzarabani led the charge with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 4-17, while Brad Evans claimed 3-23. The pair ripped through Australia’s top order, taking four wickets inside the powerplay to put the five-time world champions on the back foot.
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Despite a spirited 65 off 44 balls from Matt Renshaw and 31 from Glenn Maxwell, Australia never fully recovered from the early collapse. Zimbabwe sealed the win in dramatic fashion, highlighted by Tony Munyonga’s superb diving catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis during the closing stages of the innings.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by opener Brian Bennett, who struck an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl added 35 runs apiece, while captain Sikandar Raza provided late impetus with a quickfire 25 off 13 balls to lift the total to 169-2.
Australia, led by Travis Head in the absence of injured captain Mitchell Marsh, struggled to build lasting partnerships under scoreboard pressure. Marsh is sidelined after suffering a testicular injury in the nets ahead of Australia’s opening Group B fixture.
The result marks Zimbabwe’s second successive victory in Group B and revives memories of their famous five-wicket win over Australia in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 — the last time the two sides met in the tournament before Friday’s clash.
Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured the target of 170 was never within Australia’s comfortable reach, securing a memorable win on the global stage.
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