COLOMBO, Feb 13 (V7N) — In a result that has sent shockwaves through the 2026 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe pulled off a massive upset by defeating world power Australia by 23 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday. This victory marks only the second time the African nation has bested Australia in T20 World Cup history, reviving memories of their legendary 2007 triumph.

Defending a competitive total of 169, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was clinical from the start. Pacer Blessing Muzarabani delivered a career-defining performance, claiming 4 for 17. His first ball of the innings yielded a wicket, and he fittingly ended the match by taking his 100th T20I wicket, becoming only the third Zimbabwean to reach the century mark.

Muzarabani was brilliantly supported by Brad Evans, who ripped through the Australian top order to finish with 3 for 23, leaving the 2021 champions reeling at 29 for 4 within the first five overs.

The Australian pursuit saw a brief flicker of hope through a 77-run fifth-wicket partnership between Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw. However, the momentum swung back to Zimbabwe in the 15th over when Ryan Burl bowled Maxwell. Despite a fighting 65 off 44 balls from Renshaw—his maiden T20I half-century—the Australian tail could not withstand the pressure, and the side was eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by 22-year-old opener Brian Bennett, who carried his bat for an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls. Key contributions from Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and a high-energy 25 off 13 balls* from captain Sikandar Raza ensured Zimbabwe posted a challenging 169 for 2.

The victory propels Zimbabwe to second place in Group B with 4 points, placing them in a prime position to qualify for the Super Eight stage. Conversely, Australia now sits in third place with just 2 points, facing a high-stakes "must-win" encounter against group leaders Sri Lanka to keep their tournament hopes alive.

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