Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in T20 World Cup thriller as Muzarabani stars

ASHLEY DUBE

Zimbabwe maintained their remarkable undefeated record against Australia in T20 World Cups, securing a stunning 23-run victory in Colombo that has thrown Group B into absolute chaos. A career-best 4 for 17 from Blessing Muzarabani, supported by a disciplined 3 for 23 from Brad Evans and a resilient 64* from Brian Bennett, orchestrated one of the most clinical upsets in recent tournament history.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Australia’s decision to bowl first on a fresh, yet ultimately slow, daytime pitch will likely face heavy scrutiny. Zimbabwe’s innings was a masterclass in situational awareness. 

Tadiwanashe Marumani provided the initial spark, blasting 35 off 21 balls—including a daring reverse-sweeping assault on Glenn Maxwell—to offset a cautious start from Bennett. While Bennett’s 56-ball anchor role initially seemed ponderous, it proved the perfect foil for the aggression around him.

A significant turning point occurred when Ryan Burl (35 off 30) struck a fierce straight drive that hit Marcus Stoinis on the hand. The injury forced Stoinis out of the attack and visibly hampered his batting later in the day. After Burl fell to Cameron Green, Sikandar Raza provided the necessary late-innings impetus. 

Recalling his experience from the 2025 tour of Sri Lanka, Raza played with "steady heads," smashing a vital 25* off 13 balls, including a six off the final delivery, to post a formidable 169 for 2.

Australia’s response was catastrophic. Muzarabani and Evans exploited the extra bounce to dismantle the top order, claiming four wickets in the first 4.3 overs. Muzarabani’s height proved too much for Josh Inglis and Tim David, both of whom were cramped for room and holed out. Meanwhile, Evans found a tight line to dismiss Cameron Green and bowled Travis Head via an inside edge.

Though Matt Renshaw kept Australian hopes alive with a fighting 65 off 44 balls, the Chevrons’ fielding was an impenetrable wall. Glenn Maxwell’s uncharacteristic struggle for timing (31 off 32) was exacerbated by breathtaking boundary work from Tony Munyonga and substitute Clive Madande, who collectively saved seven runs with acrobatic stops on the rope.

Even without the hero of their previous Australian conquest back in 2007, the injured Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe’s polished performance has firmly established them as the giant-killers of Group B, leaving a shell-shocked Australia fighting for Super Eight qualification.