In a massive upset at the T20 World Cup on Friday in Colombo, Zimbabwe defeated a depleted Australian side by 23 runs. Posting 169-2 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64, Zimbabwe then bowled Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs, at one stage reducing the second-ranked team to 29-4.
The match, held at R. Premadasa Stadium, saw the 11th-ranked Zimbabwe dominate from start to finish, with opening bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans tearing through Australia’s top order.
Fans of Zimbabwe celebrated wildly at the stadium, some performing traditional dances in their team jerseys. “It’s a massive win for us,” said Bennett. “Supporters traveled all the way from Zimbabwe, and it’s an amazing feeling to win here.”
Muzarabani was named Player of the Match, finishing with figures of 4-17. “I’m thrilled that our plan worked today,” he said. “Everyone bowled really well. Even though Richi Ngarava wasn’t available, Brad Evans stepped up.”
While beating Australia was a huge boost, Bennett emphasized the team’s next focus: qualifying for the Super Eights.
Australia, missing key players Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, tried to recover through a 77-run fifth-wicket partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw. However, part-time leg-spinner Ryan Burl dismissed Maxwell for 31, triggering a collapse from 106-4 to 146 all out.
Bennett’s 64 off 56 balls was a display of disciplined aggression, with seven boundaries and minimal aerial shots. The innings marked his 10th T20 international half-century. “It was a wicket where you had to grind it out,” he said.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had beaten Oman in their tournament opener, and their remaining group games are against Ireland and Sri Lanka, who have also won both of their first matches. “Winning two out of two puts us in a strong position for the next round,” added Bennett.
The Zimbabwe pair of Ryan Burl and Bennett shared a 70-run second-wicket stand, setting a new T20 World Cup record for the team, surpassing the previous opening stand of 61 between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Australia, despite a win over Ireland earlier in the tournament, now face the possibility of an early exit if they lose again. Injuries to Marcus Stoinis, who was hit on the left palm and scored only six runs, added to their woes. Renshaw, top-scoring for Australia with 65, said, “We kept losing wickets regularly. It just wasn’t our day, and we are extremely disappointed.”
The return of Tim David, missing the Ireland game due to a hamstring injury, brought little relief as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in his first match since December 26.