SRINAGAR: Zimbabwe registered one of the biggest surprises of the tournament on Friday, defeating former champions Australia by 23 runs in a T20 World Cup clash.
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2, built around an unbeaten 64 from opener Brian Bennett. He was supported by Tadiwanashe Marumani in an assured opening stand, while Ryan Burl contributed 35 and captain Sikandar Raza added a quick unbeaten 25 off 13 deliveries to lift the total.
In reply, Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs on a slow surface that favoured disciplined bowling. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani led the attack with figures of 4 for 17, while Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza and Burl shared the remaining wickets.
Australia’s chase faltered early as they slumped to 29 for 4 inside five overs, losing Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David. A 77-run partnership between Matt Renshaw, who scored 65 off 44 balls, and Glenn Maxwell (31) briefly revived the innings. However, Maxwell’s dismissal triggered another collapse.
With 56 required off the final five overs, Australia lost momentum again. Marcus Stoinis fell cheaply after returning from a hand injury, while Bennett took a boundary catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis. The wickets of Renshaw and Adam Zampa ended Australia’s hopes.
The result marked only Zimbabwe’s second victory over Australia in T20 World Cups, their previous win coming in 2007.
