Zimbabwe defeated mighty Australia by 23 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, claiming their first victory over the five-time ODI World Cup champions since 2007. The African nation’s clinical bowling performance, led by pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani, ended Australia’s winning streak and threw Group B wide open.
Muzarabani delivered a match-winning spell of 4-0-17-4, becoming only the second Zimbabwean bowler to claim four wickets against Australia in World Cup cricket.
His devastating opening burst reduced Australia to 38-4 in just six overs, dismissing key batters Josh Inglis and Tim David while maintaining incredible accuracy throughout his four-over spell. The right-arm pacer reached his milestone 100th T20I wicket during the match, capping off a memorable performance.
Chasing 170, Australia never recovered from their disastrous powerplay collapse. Captain Travis Head fell for 17, while the middle order crumbled under pressure from Zimbabwe’s disciplined attack. Brad Evans supported Muzarabani brilliantly with 3-18, removing dangerous batters at crucial moments. Despite Matt Renshaw’s fighting 65 off 44 balls, Australia managed only 146 in 19.3 overs.
Earlier, Brian Bennett anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, while Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Ryan Burl (35) provided crucial support to post 169-2. The total proved more than sufficient as Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly on a surface that offered assistance.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s tactical decisions paid dividends as his team delivered when it mattered most. The victory not only avenged their previous defeats but also announced Zimbabwe’s arrival as genuine contenders in this tournament. Australia, already dealing with fitness concerns and missing frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, now face serious questions about their campaign momentum.
