Picture Credit: ICC/AFP/Getty Images
Zimbabwe pulled off the first major upset of the T20 World Cup with a 23-run win against an injury-hit Australia in Colombo.
Blessing Muzarabani’s four-wicket haul, Brad Evans’ impressive bowling figures and Brian Bennett’s unbeaten knock of 64 from 56 balls proved decisive.
Australia won the toss and asked Zimbabwe to bat first. Zimbabwe compiled a formidable 169 for two in their allotted 20 overs.
Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid a solid foundation, adding 61 runs inside 7.3 overs to put Australia under early pressure.
Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 56 deliveries, while Marumani contributed a brisk 35 off 21 balls. Ryan Burl added a steady 35, and captain Sikandar Raza provided late impetus with an unbeaten 25 from just 13 balls.
For Australia, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis claimed one wicket each but struggled to contain the scoring rate.
In pursuit of 170, Australia’s top order faltered to 29/4, failing to build meaningful partnerships. Matt Renshaw attempted a rescue act with a well-made 65 from 44 balls, while Glenn Maxwell chipped in with 31 off 32 deliveries.
However, the required rate continued to climb, and Australia were eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
Right-arm pacer Blessing Muzarabani delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with career-best figures of 4 for 17. He received strong support from Brad Evans, who returned impressive figures of 3 for 23.
The result also marks Zimbabwe’s first major triumph of the tournament and delivers a significant blow to Australia’s Group B campaign.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 169 for 2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64 not out, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35, Ryan Burl 35; Cameron Greem 1/6).
Australia: 146 all out in 19.3 overs (Matt Renshaw 65, Glenn Maxwell 31; Blessing Muzarabani 4/17, Brad Evans 3/23).
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