Zimbabwe produced one of the most memorable results of the tournament with a composed and disciplined victory over Australia in Colombo. On a surface that slowed as the evening progressed, the African side executed their plans with clarity in all departments.
Bennett Anchors Competitive Total
After being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe built their innings patiently. Tadiwanashe Marumani injected early momentum with a brisk 35 from 21 deliveries, ensuring the fielding side never settled during the powerplay.
The cornerstone of the innings, however, was Brian Bennett. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 64 from 56 balls, pacing his knock intelligently as conditions became more demanding. He focused on strike rotation and timely boundaries, allowing Zimbabwe to maintain a steady scoring rate.
Ryan Burl contributed a fluent 35, while captain Sikandar Raza provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 25 from just 13 deliveries. Their finishing effort ensured Zimbabwe crossed 160, a total that proved more than competitive on the surface.
Early Collapse Derails Australia
Australia’s chase faltered almost immediately. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans applied relentless pressure with disciplined lines and sharp movement, dismantling the top order inside the first five overs. At 29 for 4, the contest had tilted decisively.
Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David and Travis Head departed in quick succession, leaving Australia struggling to rebuild.
Matt Renshaw attempted to revive the chase with a well-crafted 65 off 44 balls. He shared a 77-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell, who battled through a measured innings. However, the required rate kept climbing as Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained control.
Muzarabani Leads Clinical Finish
Muzarabani returned for a decisive final spell, completing career-best figures of 4 for 17. His variations and accuracy proved decisive as Australia were bowled out in the 20th over.
Zimbabwe also excelled in the field, saving valuable runs and converting key chances under pressure.
This result significantly reshapes Group B and reinforces Zimbabwe’s growing stature in global T20 cricket. With composed batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, they outplayed a traditionally dominant opponent in every phase of the match.
Brief Score:
Zimbabwe 169/2 (20 overs)
Australia 146 all out (19.3 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 23 runs
