Date: February 13, 2026
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Group B
Result: Zimbabwe won by 23 runs
Toss: Australia won the toss and elected to field first
Player of the Match: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe 169/2 in 20 overs
- Brian Bennett: 64* off 56 balls
- Tadiwanashe Marumani: 35 off 21 balls
Zimbabwe posted a strong total thanks to a solid opening partnership and aggressive batting.
Australia 146 all out in 19.3 overs (target 170)
- Matt Renshaw: 65 off 44
- Glenn Maxwell: 31 off 32
Australia’s chase faltered after early batting collapses despite Renshaw’s resistance.
Key Highlights
- Zimbabwe set a competitive total: Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 guided Zimbabwe to 169/2.
- Early Australian collapse: Australia lost four key wickets in the powerplay, putting them under pressure early.
- Renshaw fights back: Matt Renshaw top-scored with 65, but lacked support from other batters.
- Muzarabani shines: Blessing Muzarabani grabbed 4 wickets and was named Player of the Match.
- Zimbabwe upset champion side: A rare victory against Australia in T20 World Cup history.
Match Summary
In a major upset at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs in their Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Zimbabwe batted first after Australia chose to field, with openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani setting the tone. Bennett’s unbeaten 64 anchored the innings and helped Zimbabwe reach 169/2 in their 20 overs.
Australia’s run chase started disastrously, losing four wickets early and never fully recovering. Matt Renshaw offered resistance with 65 off 44, and Glenn Maxwell scored 31, but Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling, led by Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) and supported by Brad Evans (3/23), dismantled the Australian batting lineup.
Zimbabwe’s victory marks one of the biggest World Cup upsets, echoing their historic 2007 win over Australia, and boosts their Group B campaign with momentum and confidence.