Almost two decades after their historic victory over Australia in Cape Town during the inaugural 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe repeated the feat, stunning the two-time champions by 23 runs in their Group B clash at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Blessing Muzarabani was the star of the show, claiming four crucial wickets, while Brad Evans supported with three, as Australia were bowled out for 146 with just three balls to spare. The result marked Zimbabwe’s second T20I win over Australia in history and their second consecutive victory in this tournament, following their opening win against Oman.
The Australian innings began poorly, with Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Tim David falling cheaply. Travis Head was then bowled as Australia slumped to 29 for four. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw attempted to steady the innings with a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket, evoking memories of Maxwell’s 200 against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Zimbabwe’s relentless pace attack ensured no lasting momentum, and Ryan Burl, brought on during captain Sikandar Raza’s temporary exit due to cramps, struck twice in the same over to dismiss Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had posted a competitive 169 for two in their 20 overs. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a solid foundation, putting on 47 runs in the powerplay. Marumani scored 35 before falling to Marcus Stoinis, while Bennett carried his innings to an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, timing his shots with precision rather than brute force. Ryan Burl, promoted to number three, added 35, forming a 70-run second-wicket partnership with Bennett. Sikandar Raza contributed an unbeaten 25 from 13 balls, accelerating the innings in the final overs.
Zimbabwe’s victory was achieved despite injuries and absences. Captain Raza struggled with a leg strain and had to leave the field temporarily. Australia also played without captain Mitchell Marsh, and experienced batsman Brendan Taylor was unavailable due to injury, while pacer Richard Ngarava missed the match with a minor strain.
Opportunities to play against Australia are rare for Zimbabwe. The last time they faced the Aussies in a T20 World Cup, they had lost to the top-ranked team. This encounter marked their third meeting in this format over almost 19 years, and Zimbabwe revived memories of that earlier World Cup triumph.
