Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in T20 World Cup upset

Zimbabwe scripted the biggest upset of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 so far, thumping former champions Australia by 23 runs in Colombo on Friday. The African team revived memories of the upset win in 2007, when they beat Australia by five wickets in the T20 World Cup.

The African side, unbeaten in the competition so far, climbed to second place in the Group B standings, while Australia slipped to third. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 8 stage.

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Australia’s decision to field after winning the toss, backfired almost immediately as Zimbabwe produced an assured and commanding batting display to post 169/2 in 20 overs, their highest score against Australia in T20 Internationals. Their previous best against the Australians had been 151/9 in Harare in July 2018. From the outset, Zimbabwe’s batters looked confident and composed, putting the opposition under sustained pressure.

They carried that momentum into the field, striking early blows to leave Australia reeling at 29/4 inside the first five overs. The early damage proved decisive, as Australia were forced onto the back foot for much of the chase.

Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw (65) attempted to steady the innings with a fighting partnership. While Maxwell tried repeatedly to break free and lift the scoring rate, he found it difficult to dominate consistently. Renshaw, in contrast, compiled a mature and measured knock, scoring 64 off 44 deliveries as he worked to rebuild the innings. The pair added 77 runs for the fifth wicket, briefly reviving Australian hopes.

However, the turning point came when Maxwell dragged a foolish delivery from Ryan Burl back onto his stumps. His dismissal triggered a lower-order collapse, as Australia slid from 106/5 to 146 all out. Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained relentless discipline, ensuring there was no late twist in the contest.

Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans were instrumental in dismantling the Australian line-up. After ripping through the top order, they returned to apply the finishing touches. Muzarabani ended with outstanding figures of 4/17, the best bowling performance by a Zimbabwe player at a men’s T20 World Cup and also the best figures for Zimbabwe against a Full Member side. Evans complimented him superbly, claiming 3/23 in 3.3 overs.

Zimbabwe’s commitment in the field was equally impressive. Tony Munyonga epitomised the team’s intensity with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis, underlining the energy and belief coursing through the side.

Earlier, Zimbabwe’s top order had set the tone with an aggressive yet controlled start, racing to 47/0 in the Powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Brian Bennett forged a 61-run opening partnership, laying a solid foundation. Bennett then stitched together another crucial stand, adding 70 runs for the second wicket with Ryan Burl (35), as Zimbabwe consolidated their advantage.

Playing the anchor’s role to perfection, Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls, pacing his innings with maturity and ensuring Zimbabwe built towards a competitive total. Captain Sikandar Raza provided late impetus with a brisk 25 off 13 deliveries and struck the only six of the match off the final ball of the innings.

With Zimbabwe’s batters dictating terms, Australia searched desperately for answers, rotating as many as seven bowlers within the first 10 overs. Marcus Stoinis managed to provide the breakthrough, inducing an edge from Marumani that was safely taken behind the stumps. Cameron Green was the only other Australian bowler to pick up a wicket, while the remaining bowlers were largely put to the sword by Zimbabwe’s disciplined and confident batting unit.

The defeat marks another setback for an Australian side grappling with injuries and fitness concerns both in the lead-up to and during the tournament, further complicating their campaign.

Curran approved as Taylor’s replacement

Meanwhile, Ben Curran was officially approved as a replacement for the injured Brendan Taylor in the Zimbabwe squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 granted approval on Friday after Taylor was ruled out with a right hamstring injury sustained during Zimbabwe’s match against Oman on February 9.

As per tournament regulations, any replacement requires the sanction of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be formally added to the squad.