Zimbabwe recorded a stunning victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Friday, February 13, 2026, defeating the heavily favored Australians by 23 runs in Colombo.
Stand-in captain Travis Head won the toss for Australia and elected to bowl first, but the Australian bowling attack struggled to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen, conceding a total of 2-169. Zimbabwe managed just two wickets in their innings.
The Australian batting lineup then faltered in their chase of 170, succumbing to a disciplined bowling performance led by Blessing Muzarabani, who claimed four wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Muzarabani was subsequently named Player of the Match.
Matt Renshaw scored a half-century for Australia, his first in T20 International cricket, but his effort proved insufficient to prevent the defeat. Australia lost four wickets during their batting innings.
The result leaves Australia’s hopes of progressing from Group B significantly diminished, placing them on the brink of early elimination from the tournament. Brad Evans also delivered an outstanding bowling performance for Zimbabwe.
Australia is now teetering on the brink of elimination from the T20 World Cup after the upset win by Zimbabwe.
