Key Takeaways
- Historic Victory: This marks Zimbabwe’s second T20 World Cup win over Australia, remarkably repeating their 2007 opening-day upset.
- Standout Performances: Brian Bennett anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with an unbeaten 64, while Blessing Muzarabani claimed career-best figures of 4/17.
- Australian Collapse: Despite a fighting 65 from Matt Renshaw, the 2021 champions were bundled out for 146 runs in 19.3 overs.
- Qualification Crisis: Australia now sits third in Group B and must win their final matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep Super 8 hopes alive.
In a dramatic clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday, Zimbabwe proved that history does indeed repeat itself. Batting first after Australia won the toss and elected to field, the Zimbabweans posted a formidable 169/2 in their 20 overs. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set the tone with an aggressive 61-run stand. Bennett remained the backbone of the innings, carrying his bat for a mature 64 off 56 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with a 13-ball 25, punctuated by a six off the final delivery.
Australia, led by stand-in captain Travis Head in the absence of the injured Mitchell Marsh, struggled to find rhythm. Their bowling unit, missing premier pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries, could only manage two breakthroughs.
The Chase: Muzarabani’s Masterclass
The Australian response was immediate but disastrous. Zimbabwe’s pace duo, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, tore through the top order with ruthless precision. By the fifth over, Australia was reeling at 29/4, with heavyweights Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Tim David all back in the pavilion.
A 77-run partnership between Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw (65) briefly restored hope for the Aussies. However, when Maxwell dragged a delivery from Ryan Burl onto his stumps in the 15th over, the momentum shifted back to the bowling side. Despite Renshaw’s maiden T20I half-century, the tail could not withstand Muzarabani’s second spell. The fast bowler claimed the wickets of Renshaw and Adam Zampa to finish with 4/17, effectively sealing the 23-run win for Zimbabwe.
Group B Standings and Path Forward
This victory propels Zimbabwe to the second spot in the Group B table, equal on points with leaders Sri Lanka but trailing on net run rate. For Australia, the path to the Super 8s has become significantly more difficult.
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Loss | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +3.125 |
| 2 | Zimbabwe | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.984 |
| 3 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1.100 |
| 4 | Ireland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2.175 |
| 5 | Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -4.306 |
Australia’s next challenge is a high-stakes encounter against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele on February 16, followed by their final group game against Oman on February 20. Anything less than two victories could result in a shock group-stage exit for the former champions.
