Cricket Feb 14, 2026

T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in Colombo

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in Colombo

Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs at the T20 Cricket World Cup on Friday in Colombo.

Australia won the toss and elected to field against Zimbabwe, who racked up 169-2 as they engineered the first major upset at this tournament.

Set a target of 170, wickets taken in rapid succession at the closing stages of the game snuffed out Australia's run chase. They included Tony Munyonga leaping through the air for a brilliant diving catch to take out Ben Dwarshuis.

Blessing Muzarabani grabbed 4-17 and Brad Evans picked up 3-23 as Australia was bowled out for just 146 in 19.3 overs.

Matt Renshaw, playing in his first T20 World Cup, scored a fighting 65 off 44 balls and Glenn Maxwell hit 31 off 32 deliveries, but Muzarabani and Evans did enough damage up front by claiming four wickets inside the power play to steer Zimbabwe to a second successive victory in Group B.

Opening batter Brian Bennett had earlier anchored Zimbabwe's 169-2 with an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Ryan Burl (35) also made handy contributions while captain Sikandar Raza's late acceleration (25 off 13 deliveries) was crucial.

It was the first T20 World Cup game between the two nations since Zimbabwe's stunning five-wicket win over Australia in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007.

Travis Head led the Australia side in captain Mitchell Marsh's absence as he continues to recover from a testicular injury. Marsh sustained the injury in the nets on the eve of Australia's opening Group B game and missed Australia's 67-run win against Ireland.

Watch the Men's T20 World Cup live on Your Site from February 7 to March 8. or

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

The Ashes 2025/26: Brendon McCullum concedes England future in hands of others after 11-day series defeat

The Ashes 2025/26: Brendon McCullum concedes England future in hands of others after 11-day series defeat

Brendon McCullum is eager to stay on as England's head coach but admits his future is "up to other people" after losing the Ashes in just 11 days.The...

Tributes paid to Bondi shooting victims in third Ashes Test in Adelaide as Australia captain Pat Cummins says events 'hit home pretty hard'

Tributes paid to Bondi shooting victims in third Ashes Test in Adelaide as Australia captain Pat Cummins says events 'hit home pretty hard'

Australia and England players wore black armbands during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide following Sunday's shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach.Fifteen...

The Ashes: Stuart Broad backs Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to stay in England roles

The Ashes: Stuart Broad backs Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to stay in England roles

Stuart Broad has warned that removing ECB managing director Rob Key could trigger a domino effect that puts Ben Stokes' position as England captain at...

The Ashes: MCG pitch ruled  'unsatisfactory' by ICC following two-day Test

The Ashes: MCG pitch ruled 'unsatisfactory' by ICC following two-day Test

The Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch has received a demerit point after being deemed 'unsatisfactory' by the International Cricket Council Pitch and Out...

Hugh Morris: Former England batter and ECB chief executive dies at age of 62

Hugh Morris: Former England batter and ECB chief executive dies at age of 62

Former England and Glamorgan batter Hugh Morris has died following a battle with cancer.Morris, who later spent time as chief executive of the England...

England T20 World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue named in provisional group for 2026 tournament but no Jamie Smith or Brydon Carse

England T20 World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue named in provisional group for 2026 tournament but no Jamie Smith or Brydon Carse

Jofra Archer has been included in England's provisional T20 World Cup squad after his Ashes-ending injury, with fellow fast bowler Josh Tongue also na...