Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Australia National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Zimbabwe pulled off a major upset at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Australia by 23 runs in their Group match at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Former India batter Sachin Tendulkar praised the performance, calling it a “statement win” after Zimbabwe bowled out Australia for 146 in 19.3 overs while defending 169/2. “A statement win from Zimbabwe! Beating Australia by 23 runs takes real character. And of course, Blessing turned out to be just that, a blessing in the truest sense, with a superb 4 wicket spell. What an exciting tournament this is shaping up to be!” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans led the charge with four and three wickets respectively, troubling the Australian top order with swing and disciplined pace bowling. Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, suffered early setbacks as Zimbabwe’s pacers made full use of the conditions. Matt Renshaw fought back with a well-made 65 but found little support from the other end. His effort was not enough as Zimbabwe sealed their second win over Australia in T20 World Cup history, having first beaten them in the inaugural 2007 edition. Glenn Maxwell tried to revive the chase with a 77-run stand alongside Renshaw. Maxwell began cautiously, rotating the strike, while Renshaw took on the bowlers. However, regular wickets stalled Australia’s momentum.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 169/2 in 20 overs, riding on Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64. Openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe a strong start, adding 61 runs for the first wicket. Marumani scored 35 off 21 balls with seven fours before Marcus Stoinis provided Australia with a breakthrough in the eighth over.

Bennett then added 70 runs with Ryan Burl to keep the pressure on Australia through the middle overs. Burl scored 35 off 30 balls before falling in the 16th over. Bennett reached his half-century in 43 balls and remained unbeaten on 64 from 56 deliveries.

The win keeps Zimbabwe in strong contention in the tournament and adds another memorable chapter to their T20 World Cup history.

Scorecard: Zimbabwe 169/2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64*, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35, Ryan Burl 35) beat Australia 146 in 19.3 overs (Matt Renshaw 65, Glenn Maxwell 31; Blessing Muzarabani 4-17, Brad Evans 3-23) by 23 runs

Australia v Zimbabwe Match Highlights  

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 – Group B Points Table