Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE sent a strong reminder to the cricket world yesterday, stunning Australia by 23 runs at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. At the R Premadasa Stadium, the Chevrons produced a composed and clinical performance to claim one of the tournament’s biggest results so far.
The upset was built on a mature unbeaten 64 from Brian Bennett and a fierce spell of fast bowling from Man of the Match Blessing Muzarabani, who ripped through the Australian line-up to finish with career best figures of 4-17.
Zimbabwe and Australia rarely meet in this format, but this victory revived memories of their famous five wicket win over the same opponents at the inaugural World T20 in 2007. The result keeps Zimbabwe unbeaten against Australia on the global stage in this format, now two wins from two meetings.
The Chevrons were missing key players, with fast bowler Richard Ngarava and veteran batter Brendan Taylor ruled out through injury.
Captain Sikandar Raza also battled a thigh problem that forced him off the field in the closing stages.
Even so, Zimbabwe held their nerve after setting Australia a target of 170. Australia were dismissed for 146 in 19.3 overs as Muzarabani led a disciplined bowling display that backed up Zimbabwe’s total of 169 for two after they were sent in to bat. Raza praised his team’s composure and unity after the match.
“All I can tell you is these are just cramps and I should be fine in the next day or two,” he said. “I’m very happy and proud. The culture and environment we’ve built is showing. The boys really wanted this and they deserve it.”
The win drew praise from cricket greats around the world.
Former South African quick Dale Steyn, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin all applauded Zimbabwe’s display.
Tendulkar called it a statement result.
“A statement win from Zimbabwe. Beating Australia by 23 runs takes real character,” he wrote on X. “And Blessing truly lived up to his name with a superb four wicket spell.”
Ashwin praised Zimbabwe’s discipline and intensity in the field, highlighting the athleticism of Tony Munyonga, whose diving catch proved one of the turning points in the game. “This is clinical from Zim,” Ashwin said. “Batting and bowling have been excellent, and the fielding piled on the pressure.”
Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 56 balls. He shared a brisk 61-run opening stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who struck 35 from 21 deliveries before edging behind to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis off Marcus Stoinis.
Bennett then combined with Ryan Burl for a 70-run partnership that carried Zimbabwe to 131 for two. It became the highest second wicket stand for Zimbabwe in Men’s T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous mark set by Hamilton Masakadza and Taylor.
Raza added late momentum with a quick 25 from 13 balls, lifting the total on a surface that became harder to score freely on as the innings progressed.
Australia’s chase never settled. They lost four wickets inside the powerplay, slipping to 37 for four.
Matt Renshaw kept them in the contest with 65 from 44 balls, sharing a 77-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell, who made 31, but Zimbabwe controlled the middle overs with disciplined lines and sharp fielding.
Munyonga’s diving catch to remove Ben Dwarshuis off Brad Evans underlined Zimbabwe’s energy in the field. Evans backed up Muzarabani with 3-23 and sealed the win with a direct run out of Matthew Kuhnemann. Spinners Wellington Masakadza and Burl chipped in with a wicket each.
Australia captain Travis Head admitted his side had fallen behind early.
“We put ourselves under pressure by losing wickets,” he said. “We’ve been in tough situations before and we’ll look to respond in the next games.”
The result leaves Group B finely balanced after two matches each. Zimbabwe sit level on four points with hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team, while Australia trail on two points ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.
Zimbabwe’s next assignment is against Ireland cricket team at Pallekele in Kandy next Tuesday before they return to Colombo to face Sri Lanka in their final group match on Thursday.
