Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in T20 World Cup thriller

Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs in a Group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday, maintaining their unbeaten record against Australia in the tournament’s history.

Chasing a target of 170, Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs after losing early wickets. Josh Inglis fell for eight in the opening over, while Cameron Green was dismissed for a duck by Brad Evans. Blessing Muzarabani then removed Tim David, reducing Australia to 24-3 inside three overs.

Stand-in captain Travis Head scored 17 before departing with the score at 29-4. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw steadied the innings with a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Maxwell made 31 off 32 balls before Ryan Burl broke the stand in the 15th over.

Australia required 53 runs from the final 25 deliveries after Marcus Stoinis was dismissed for six. Renshaw completed his half-century and top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, but Muzarabani returned to remove him and Adam Zampa in quick succession. Matthew Kuhnemann was run out as Australia were bowled out 23 runs short.

Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with 4-23, while Evans claimed three wickets. Wellington Masakadza and Burl took one wicket each.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169-2 in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 61 runs for the first wicket. Marumani scored 35 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Marcus Stoinis.