zimbabwe They pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating Australia Group B clash in 19th match by 23 runs ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Prestigious R. At Premadasa Stadium. After posting a competitive score of 169/2 in 20 overs, the African team produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl out Australia for 146 runs in 19.3 overs.
Having won the toss and elected to bowl, Australia would have hoped to keep Zimbabwe to a manageable score. However, what followed was a composed and calculated batting display that set the stage for a memorable night.
Brian Bennett leads Zimbabwe to a competitive score
Zimbabwe’s innings was built around a steady innings Brian BennettWho made the top score by scoring 64 runs in 56 balls. Bennett hit seven brilliant fours and paced his innings smartly, ensuring that Zimbabwe did not lose the early momentum. at the other extreme, Tadivanashe Marumani Provided the initial spark by playing a quickfire innings of 35 runs with the help of seven fours in just 21 balls.
The pair added valuable runs in the powerplay, forcing Australia’s bowlers to rethink their lengths. Although Marumani departed after a lively cameo, Bennett continued to carry the innings.
in the second half, Ryan Burl Scored 35 runs in 30 balls, regularly finding the gaps. Sikandar Raza He then scored 25 runs in just 13 balls including a six, taking Zimbabwe to an impressive score of 169/2.
Australia’s bowling lacked penetration. marcus stoinis And cameron green Took one wicket each, but frontline bowlers liked it Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan EllisAnd adam zampa Were unable to achieve significant successes.
Blessing Muzarabani leads brutal bowling performance
Chasing 170, Australia’s innings never found any rhythm. Josh Inglis started with a six but was out early on 8 runs. travis head managed 17, while Green and tim david were out without troubling the scorers, putting Australia under early pressure.
glen maxwell Tried to rebuild by scoring 31 off 32 balls, but his strike rate revealed Zimbabwe’s tight bowling. The only real resistance came from here matt renshawWho played a fighting inning of 65 runs in 44 balls with the help of five fours and one six to keep Australia’s hopes alive.
However, whenever Australia tried to build a partnership, Zimbabwe hit back. blessings to muzarabani Gave a memorable spell by taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. His pace, bounce and accuracy proved too much for the Australian middle and lower orders.
brad evans While provided strong support by taking 3 wickets for 23 runs Wellington Masakadza And Burl took one wicket each. A disciplined effort ensured Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, giving Zimbabwe a famous 23-run win.
Here’s how fans reacted:
This is downright clinical.
The batting and bowling have been excellent but Tony Munyonga’s fielding has added to the pressure.
He saved at least 12-15 runs and completed the deal with a brilliant catch at deep mid-wicket.๐ฅ๐ฅWhen the field size is appropriate, cricket skills can really…
– Ashwin ๐ฎ๐ณ (@ashwinravi99) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe played very well ๐๐๐ #AUSvZIM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ngkVZNxuYY
– Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe ๐ฟ๐ผ
– Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe upset Australia with a brilliant all-round performance
#T20WorldCup ๐: https://t.co/DGcVByz7gH pic.twitter.com/d3NylR8B7bโ ICC (@ICC) 13 February 2026
2007 T20 World Cup โ Zimbabwe defeated Australia.
2026 T20 World Cup โ Zimbabwe defeated Australia.
There was a gap of 19 years between the two matches, but the dominance remained intact. ๐ฅถ๐ฟ๐ผ pic.twitter.com/H0BCO4zx5G
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 13 February 2026
BREAKING: Australia’s name officially changed to “zimb-breakfast” ๐ณ๐
Because Zimbabwe ate him alive on the field itself ๐๐ฅ#ZIMvsAUS #T20WorldCup #ZimbabweCricket #cricketshock #underdogstory pic.twitter.com/OJC0KxgGK5– Mr.Lybs๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฆ๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐พ (@MrLybs) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs
Match Details ๐ https://t.co/v7MN1B6xMe#T20WorldCup #ZIMvAUS pic.twitter.com/tlRIJPyg2j
– Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) 13 February 2026
Aussies get cooked by Zimbabwe ๐ฅ, unreal fall guy ๐ญ
Muzarabani ๐ฅ#ZIMvAUS #zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/zkt027hWbu
– ๐ฅ๐Ja Krishnappa Baire๐ฌ๐ (@RKBTweetss) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe still undefeated against Australia #T20WorldCup Sports, R. After a brilliant performance at Premadasa Stadium pic.twitter.com/Fx7rZEhy6v
โ cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 13 February 2026
๐จHistory of Zimbabwe in Colombo๐จ
– Zimbabwe has created history by defeating 2021 T20 World Cup winners Australia.
– Australia has lost and Zimbabwe are on the verge of qualifying for the Super 8 of this World Cup#AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/G4rPHOdFMk
– Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) 13 February 2026
Having defeated the mighty Australians in the 2007 T20 World Cup, they have beaten them once again in 2026.#AUSvZIM #ZimbabweCricket #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/xH3l7DrYDE
โ CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 13 February 2026
UฬถPฬถSฬถEฬถTฬถ!ฬถ Blessed! ๐
2007 ๐ค 2026Zimbabwe is unbeaten against Australia in the T20 World Cup. ๐คฏ pic.twitter.com/wErywopfVe
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 13 February 2026
Excitement in Colombo!!!
Zimbabwe beats Australia by 23 runs! ๐ญ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ซถ๐ผ
what a day! what a team! ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ pic.twitter.com/Ag1kia7ZlS
– Adam Theo๐ฟ๐ผ๐ (@AdamTheofilatos) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe has defeated Australia by 23 runs in RPSC.
Truly a great team effort ๐
Special mention to Brian Bennett Gutsy Knocksโก๏ธ, Muzarabani Class ๐ฅ, Burl Determination ๐ and The Brad Evans Show ๐๐ป.
What an emotional moment to live ๐ญ ๐ฟ๐ผ @ZimCricketv #ZIMvAUS #zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/3E3iCmhOZL
– ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ (@cricwit_mridul) 13 February 2026
A statement victory from Zimbabwe! ๐ฟ๐ผ
To beat Australia by 23 runs shows real character. And of course, with a brilliant 4 wicket spell, the blessing proved to be a blessing in the truest sense.
What an exciting tournament this is shaping up to be!
– Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 13 February 2026
1983 ODI World Cup: Zimbabwe beat Australia.
India has won the tournament.2007 World T20: Zimbabwe beat Australia.
India has won the tournament.2026 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe beats Australia.
๐ค๐โค๏ธ
– Gaurav ๐ฎ๐ณ (@IamGMishra) 13 February 2026
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe, take a bow ๐ฅถ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/kbHxtCZ0if
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 13 February 2026
