Zimbabwe handed Australia a major setback in the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup on Friday, beating the former champions by 23 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo after bowling them out for 146 in pursuit of 170.
The result leaves Australia’s Super 8 qualification route more complicated in Group B after Zimbabwe strengthened their position with a second win.
Bennett and Raza set Australia a target
Put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2, anchored by opener Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 off 56 balls. Captain Sikandar Raza added a late 25 off 13 despite appearing hampered by cramps as Zimbabwe accelerated at the finish.
Australia’s bowlers took only two wickets, and Zimbabwe’s top order provided enough stability to keep the innings on track through the middle overs.
Australia collapse after early wickets
Australia’s chase was derailed in the powerplay as wickets fell quickly, leaving the side needing a recovery that never fully materialised. Matt Renshaw top-scored with 65 and Glenn Maxwell made 31, but Australia were bowled out in 19.3 overs.
Blessing Muzarabani led the attack with career-best figures of 4 for 17 and was named player of the match, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintaining pressure through the middle and death overs.
Group B implications
Zimbabwe’s win moves them up the Group B table, while Australia drop behind them, increasing the importance of remaining group matches for the Super 8 race.
Australia were already operating with a depleted squad in the tournament, and Friday’s defeat adds urgency to their campaign as the group stage continues.