Zimbabwe Stuns Australia in T20 World Cup Upset

Bennett leads Zimbabwe to historic win over Australia

Zimbabwe beats depleted Australia by 23 runs in T20 World Cup upset, Blessing Muzarabani takes 4-17. Australia's T20 World Cup campaign hit by injuries, lose to Zimbabwe in Group B match.

Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64 guides Zimbabwe to historic win over Australia in T20 World Cup...

Zimbabwe, ranked 11th, dominated the game from the start, with opening bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantling Australia's top order. The 2nd-ranked Aussies were left reeling, and Zimbabwe's momentum never walled.

The R. Premadasa Stadium erupted as Zimbabwe fans, clad in their team jerseys, celebrated the massive win with a traditional dance. The energy was electric, with fans going wild over the upset victory against a depleted Australian side.

Blessing Muzarabani was unstoppable, finishing with 4 wickets for 17 runs to lead Zimbabwe's charge. His devastating spell set the tone for Zimbabwe's victory.

Australia's hopes were briefly revived by Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw's 77-run partnership, but Ryan Burl's clever bowling got Maxwell out, dragging one onto his stumps for 31. From 106-4, Australia collapsed, tumbling to 146 all out. Would you like to know more about Zimbabwe's next match or Australia's plans?

Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64 was a masterclass in controlled aggression, with the young opener rarely going for big shots and finding the boundary seven times in his 56-ball innings. It was Bennett's 10th T20I half-century, showcasing his growing maturity at the international level.

Bennett and Ryan Burl shared a record-breaking 70-run partnership for the second wicket, following a 61-run opening stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani, to propel Zimbabwe's impressive performance.

Zimbabwe's momentum continues after thrashing Oman in their opening match. Meanwhile, Australia's chances hang in the balance after beating Ireland on Wednesday; upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and Oman will be crucial, as another loss could send them packing after the group stage.

Without their captain Mitchell Marsh for the second match, and the previously ruled out pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia's campaign in the 20-nation tournament is in danger of falling apart at the first hurdle.

A perfect two from two record for Zimbabwe against Australia in #T20WorldCup matches 👏

More on their famous win 👉 https://t.co/my3UfBassW pic.twitter.com/rBk3puDP0R

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 13, 2026

The former champions were left with more to worry about as Marcus Stoinis was struck on his left palm attempting a return catch halfway through his third over.

Marcus Stoinis was helped off the field, clearly in pain, and struggled to make an impact when he batted, scoring just six runs. Meanwhile, Tim David got a chance to shine after missing the Ireland match, but his comeback was short-lived – he scored a duck off two balls in his first game since recovering from a hamstring injury.