Zimbabwe shocked Australia with a disciplined bowling display to win by 23 runs in Match 19 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Defending 169/2, Zimbabwe bowled Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs after reducing them to 29/4 inside the powerplay. Blessing Muzarabani’s four-wicket spell turned the match firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour.
AUS vs ZIM T20I WC 2026 Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia vs Zimbabwe, 19th Match, Group B |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Result | Zimbabwe won by 23 runs |
| Zimbabwe | 169/2 (20 overs) |
| Australia | 146 all out (19.3 overs) |
| Player of the Match | Blessing Muzarabani |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bowl |
First Innings Highlights
Zimbabwe put up 169/2 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They did not lose wickets in clusters and kept the scoreboard moving steadily.
Brian Bennett played a controlled innings, finishing unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls. The innings never saw a dramatic collapse, and Zimbabwe ensured they had wickets in hand for the final overs. On a pitch that was slightly slow, 169 looked competitive rather than massive — but it proved enough.
First Innings Best Performers
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Brian Bennett | 64* (56 balls) |
| Best Bowler | Marcus Stoinis | 2.5 overs, 17 runs, 1 wicket (Econ 6.00) |
Second Innings Highlights
Australia’s chase began poorly. Josh Inglis scored 8 before falling in the second over. Cameron Green was dismissed for 0, Tim David also fell for 0, and Travis Head made 17. At 29/4 in 4.3 overs, the chase was already under serious pressure.
Blessing Muzarabani produced the match-defining spell, finishing with 4/17 in 4 overs. He removed Inglis, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, and Adam Zampa, keeping tight control throughout. Brad Evans supported him with 3/23 in 3.3 overs, including key top-order wickets.
Matt Renshaw kept Australia alive with 65 off 44 balls (5 fours, 1 six), while Glenn Maxwell added 31 off 32 balls. However, the required rate kept climbing, and regular wickets prevented any late charge. Australia was eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
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Second Innings Best Performers
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Matt Renshaw | 65 (44 balls, 5×4, 1×6) |
| Best Bowler | Blessing Muzarabani | 4-0-17-4 |
