Zimbabwe pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament as they defeated Australia by 23 runs in the 19th Match, Group B clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. After posting a competitive 169/2 in 20 overs, the African side produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
Having won the toss and elected to bowl, Australia would have expected to keep Zimbabwe to a manageable total. However, what followed was a composed and calculated batting display that set the tone for a memorable night.
Brian Bennett takes Zimbabwe to a competitive total
Zimbabwe’s innings was built around a steady knock from Brian Bennett, who top-scored with 64 off 56 deliveries. Bennett struck seven crisp boundaries and paced his innings smartly, ensuring Zimbabwe didn’t lose early momentum. At the other end, Tadiwanashe Marumani provided the early spark with a brisk 35 off just 21 balls, laced with seven fours.
The pair added valuable runs in the powerplay, forcing Australia’s bowlers to rethink their lengths. Though Marumani departed after a lively cameo, Bennett continued to anchor the innings.
In the latter half, Ryan Burl chipped in with a fluent 35 off 30 balls, finding the gaps regularly. Sikandar Raza then provided the finishing flourish, smashing 25 off only 13 deliveries, including a six, to push Zimbabwe to an impressive 169/2.
Australia’s bowling lacked penetration. Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green picked up a wicket each, but frontline bowlers like Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa were unable to make significant breakthroughs.
Blessing Muzarabani leads ruthless bowling display
Chasing 170, Australia’s innings never quite found rhythm. Josh Inglis started with a six but fell early for 8. Travis Head managed 17, while Green and Tim David departed without troubling the scorers, putting Australia under early pressure.
Glenn Maxwell tried to rebuild with 31 off 32 balls, but his strike rate reflected Zimbabwe’s tight bowling. The only real resistance came from Matt Renshaw, who played a fighting knock of 65 from 44 balls, hitting five fours and a six to keep Australia’s hopes alive.
However, every time Australia looked to build a partnership, Zimbabwe struck back. Blessing Muzarabani delivered a spell to remember, claiming 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. His pace, bounce, and accuracy proved too much for the Australian middle and lower order.
Brad Evans provided strong support with 3 for 23, while Wellington Masakadza and Burl chipped in with a wicket each. The disciplined effort ensured Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, sealing a famous 23-run win for Zimbabwe.
Here’s how fans reacted:
This is clinical from Zim.
Batting and bowling have been great but Tony Munyonga’s fielding has piled on the pressure.
He has saved at least 12-15 runs and closes the deal with a spectacular catch at deep mid wicket.🔥🔥When the ground sizes are proper, cricketing skills truly…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 13, 2026
Very well played Zimbabwe 👏👏😁 #AUSvZIM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ngkVZNxuYY
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 13, 2026
ZIMBABWE 🇿🇼
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 13, 2026
Zimbabwe rise to the occasion with a brilliant all-round display to upset Australia 🙌
#T20WorldCup 📝: https://t.co/DGcVByz7gH pic.twitter.com/d3NylR8B7b— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2026
2007 T20 World Cup – Zimbabwe beat Australia.
2026 T20 World Cup – Zimbabwe eat Australia.
19 YEARS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO MATCHES, BUT THE DOMINANCE STAYS. 🥶🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/H0BCO4zx5G
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 13, 2026
BREAKING: Australia officially renamed to “Zimb-breakfast” 🍳😂
Because Zimbabwe just ate them alive on the field 🏏🔥#ZIMvsAUS #T20WorldCup #ZimbabweCricket #CricketShock #UnderdogStory pic.twitter.com/OJC0KxgGK5— MrLybs🇿🇼🇿🇦🇶🇦🇻🇳🇲🇾 (@MrLybs) February 13, 2026
Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs 🎉
Match Details 👉 https://t.co/v7MN1B6xMe#T20WorldCup #ZIMvAUS pic.twitter.com/tlRIJPyg2j
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 13, 2026
Aussies got cooked by Zimbabwe 🔥 , unreal downfall man 😭
Muzarbani 💥#ZIMvAUS #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/zkt027hWbu
— 𝗥𝗔JA KRISHNAPPA BAIR𝗬𝗔 (@RKBTweetss) February 13, 2026
Zimbabwe are still undefeated against Australia in #T20WorldCup games, after producing a stunner at R. Premadasa Stadium 😱 pic.twitter.com/Fx7rZEhy6v
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 13, 2026
🚨 HISTORY BY ZIMBABWE AT COLOMBO 🚨
– Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 has created history, beating 2021 T20 World Cup winners Australia fair and square 👏🏻
– Australia has been Humbled and Zimbabwe on a verge to qualify for Super 8 of this World Cup🔥#AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/G4rPHOdFMk
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 13, 2026
They beat the mighty Australians in the 2007 T20 WC, they’ve beaten them once again in 2026 💥#AUSvZIM #ZimbabweCricket #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/xH3l7DrYDE
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 13, 2026
U̶P̶S̶E̶T̶!̶ BLESSED! 🙌
2007 🤝 2026Zimbabwe are unbeaten against Australia in T20 World Cups. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wErywopfVe
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2026
ELATION IN COLOMBO!!!
ZIMBABWE HAVE BEATEN AUSTRALIA by 23 runs! 😭🇿🇼🫶🏼
What a day! What a team! 🇿🇼🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/Ag1kia7ZlS
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) February 13, 2026
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 has beaten Australia by 23 runs at RPSC 🔥❤
Truly a superb team effort 👌🏼
Special mention to Brian Bennett gutsy knock😎, Muzarabani class 🔥, Burl Determination 🙂 & Brad Evans show 👏🏻.
What an emotional moment to live 😭 🇿🇼 @ZimCricketv #ZIMvAUS #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/3E3iCmhOZL
— 𝕄𝕣𝕚𝕕𝕦𝕝 (@cricwit_mridul) February 13, 2026
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!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 13, 2026
1983 ODI World Cup: Zimbabwe beats Australia.
India goes on to win the tournament.2007 World T20: Zimbabwe beats Australia.
India goes on to win the tournament.2026 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe beats Australia.
🤞🙏❤️
— Gaurav 🇮🇳 (@IamGMishra) February 13, 2026
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in 2007 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in 2026 T20 World Cup.
ZIMBABWE, TAKE A BOW 🥶💥 pic.twitter.com/kbHxtCZ0if
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2026
