COLOMBO: Zimbabwe national cricket team produced one of the biggest shocks of the T20 World Cup by defeating Australia national cricket team by 23 runs in a Group B match at R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Zimbabwe posted 169-2 in their 20 overs, powered by an unbeaten 64 from Brian Bennett. In reply, Australia were reduced to 29-4 early on and were eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
The 11th-ranked Zimbabwe side dominated proceedings against their second-ranked opponents, with opening bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantling Australia’s top order.
Early damage sets tone
Muzarabani finished with figures of 4-17 and was named player of the match. His early breakthroughs left Australia struggling before Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw mounted a brief recovery with a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket.
However, part-time leg-spinner Ryan Burl dismissed Maxwell for 31, triggering a collapse as Australia slipped from 106-4 to 146 all out.
Renshaw top-scored with 65, while Marcus Stoinis, who was struck on the left palm during the match, managed just six runs after returning to bat.
Australia were without captain Mitchell Marsh and pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, raising concerns over their campaign in the 20-team tournament.
Bennett anchors Zimbabwe innings
Earlier, Bennett’s 64 off 56 balls guided Zimbabwe to a competitive total. The 22-year-old struck seven boundaries in a measured innings, registering his 10th T20 international half-century.
Zimbabwe built momentum through a 61-run opening stand between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, followed by a 70-run partnership for the second wicket with Ryan Burl — a record stand for Zimbabwe in T20 World Cups.
“It is a huge win for us,” Bennett said after the match, noting the presence of Zimbabwe supporters at the venue.
Zimbabwe had earlier defeated Oman in their opener and will next face Ireland and Sri Lanka in the group stage.
Australia, who beat Ireland in their previous game, still have fixtures remaining against Sri Lanka and Oman. Another defeat could jeopardize their chances of advancing to the Super Eights.
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