Zimbabwe delivered the biggest shock of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far, defeating Australia by 23 runs in a dramatic Group B clash in Colombo.
Batting first on Friday, Zimbabwe posted an impressive 169 for 2 in their 20 overs, anchored by a composed unbeaten 64 from Brian Bennett. The 22-year-old opener showed controlled aggression, striking seven boundaries and registering his 10th T20 international half-century.
In reply, a depleted Australian side was rocked early, collapsing to 29 for 4 as Zimbabwe’s pace attack tore through the top order. Blessing Muzarabani led the onslaught with a superb spell of 4 for 17, well supported by Brad Evans, as the higher-ranked Australians struggled to recover.
The match, played at the R Premadasa Stadium, sparked jubilant celebrations among Zimbabwe fans, who danced in the stands as the upset unfolded.
Australia briefly threatened a comeback when Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw added 77 runs for the fifth wicket. However, the momentum swung decisively when part-time leg-spinner Ryan Burl dismissed Maxwell for 31, triggering a collapse from 106 for 4 to 146 all out in 19.3 overs.
Earlier, Bennett and Burl had shared a record 70-run partnership for the second wicket — Zimbabwe’s highest at a T20 World Cup — following an opening stand of 61 with Tadiwanashe Marumani. Zimbabwe had thrashed Oman in their tournament opener, underlining their strong start.
Australia, who beat Ireland earlier in the week, now face mounting pressure with matches against co-hosts Sri Lanka and Oman still to come. Another slip-up could see one of the tournament favourites heading home at the group stage.
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