Zimbabwe pulls off stunning reversal to defeat Australia

Colombo, 13 February (UNI) Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans' fierce bowling helped Zimbabwe pull off the biggest upset of the T20 World Cup 2026, defeating a strong Australian team by 23 runs on Friday.

Zimbabwe, batting first, scored 169 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted overs, while the Kangaroos were bowled out for 146 runs in 19.3 overs. It is worth mentioning that Zimbabwe had previously defeated Australia in the 2007 World Cup, stunning the world, and has now repeated history 19 years later.

The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was abuzz with Zimbabwean fans' celebrations, while Australian supporters were left stunned by their team's unexpected defeat. Blessing Muzarabani (4 wickets for 17 runs) and Brad Evans (3 wickets for 23 runs) wreaked havoc with the new ball, leaving Australia's top order in tatters. Josh Inglis was caught in the deep, while Cameron Green and Tim David returned to the pavilion without scoring a run.

Travis Head's clean bowled dismissal further weakened Australia's position, with their score reading 29 runs for 4 wickets. Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw (65) put up a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket, making a valiant effort to bring their team back into the match.

At one point, when Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was forced off the field due to cramps, it seemed like the match might slip away from Zimbabwe's hands. However, Ryan Burl turned the game around by dismissing Maxwell at a crucial juncture.

Earlier, in Zimbabwe's innings, Brian Bennett scored an unbeaten 64 runs. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl scored 35 runs each, while captain Sikandar Raza remained not out on 25 runs.

This day will be etched in golden letters in Zimbabwe cricket history, where they better understood the conditions, employed the best strategy, and deservedly earned a valuable two points. Blessing Muzarabani was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his devastating bowling.