Colombo (Sri Lanka): Zimbabwe produced a spirited all-round performance to register the first major upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup, defeating former champions Australia by 23 runs on Friday.
It was only the second time Zimbabwe have beaten Australia in the T20 World Cup, having previously done so in the 2007 edition under the leadership of Prosper Utseya.
Opting to bat first after being sent in, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169 for 2 in their 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, striking seven fours. He was well supported by wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl, who contributed 35 runs each, while captain Sikandar Raza provided late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls.
Zimbabwe reached 125 for 1 at the end of the 15th over but managed only 44 runs in the final five overs as Australia tightened their bowling at the death.
In reply, Australia’s chase of 170 never gathered momentum. The top order collapsed early, with Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David falling cheaply as the side slumped to 29 for 4 inside five overs.
Matt Renshaw attempted to steady the innings with a fighting 65 off 44 balls, while Glenn Maxwell added 31 in a 77-run fifth-wicket stand. However, Burl broke the partnership when Maxwell inside-edged onto his stumps, triggering another collapse.
Australia required 56 runs from the final five overs, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Marcus Stoinis, who had earlier left the field after injuring his hand while attempting a return catch, was dismissed for 6. Bennett then produced a sharp boundary catch to remove Ben Dwarshuis.
Needing 34 from the last two overs, Australia lost Renshaw and Adam Zampa in the 19th over, while Matthew Kuhnemann was run out in the final over as the innings folded for 146 in 19.3 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack delivered collectively, led by pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who returned impressive figures of 4 for 17. Brad Evans claimed 3 for 23, while Wellington Masakadza and Burl chipped in with a wicket each.
The result marked a memorable victory for the African side and exposed Australia’s vulnerability in the absence of key pacers such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, whose experience and control were missed on a sluggish surface.
