Colombo, Feb 13 (.) Brian Bennett’s fluent strokeplay at the top and Blessing Muzarabani’s searing four-wicket burst powered Zimbabwe to a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the 19th Match, Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium here on Friday.
Bennett laid the platform with an assured knock as Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169 for 2 after being asked to bat, while Muzarabani dismantled Australia’s chase with figures of 4 for 17 to script one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Opting to bowl first, Australia struck early discipline with the ball but struggled to contain Bennett’s positive intent. The right-hander found the gaps with ease and rotated strike smartly, ensuring Zimbabwe maintained momentum through the powerplay.
With measured support from the middle order, Zimbabwe accelerated in the latter half of the innings to finish strongly at 169 for 2, a total that proved more than adequate on a surface offering some assistance under lights.
In reply, Australia’s chase faltered almost immediately. Josh Inglis fell for 8 in the second over, caught off Muzarabani, who set the tone with pace and lift.
Captain Travis Head managed 17 before being bowled by Brad Evans, while Cameron Green and Tim David departed for ducks as Zimbabwe’s pacers ripped through the top order. At 25 for 3 inside four overs, Australia were already under immense pressure.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw attempted to rebuild with a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Maxwell laboured for 31 off 32 balls before being bowled by Ryan Burl, leaving Renshaw to shoulder the responsibility.
Renshaw responded with a fighting 65 off 44 balls, striking five fours and a six to keep Australia in contention. However, the required rate kept climbing as Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained discipline. Marcus Stoinis briefly threatened with a quick cameo but fell to Wellington Masakadza, and Brad Evans removed Ben Dwarshuis to tighten Zimbabwe’s grip.
The decisive moment arrived when Muzarabani returned to dismiss Renshaw in the 19th over. He later bowled Adam Zampa to complete a superb spell of 4 for 17, while Evans finished with 3 for 23. Australia were eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, with Matthew Kuhnemann run out to end the innings.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza marshalled his resources astutely, rotating his bowlers effectively and maintaining attacking fields throughout the chase.
The victory significantly strengthens Zimbabwe’s position in Group B and underlines their growing confidence in the shortest format. For Australia, the defeat exposes vulnerabilities in their top order and places added pressure on their remaining fixtures in the tournament.
On a humid Colombo evening, Bennett built the foundation and Muzarabani delivered the knockout punch, ensuring Zimbabwe walked away with a famous World Cup triumph.
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