Zimbabwe produced the first major upset of the 2026 T20 World Cup, defeating Australia by 23 runs in a Group B clash on Friday.
Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani led the charge with 4 for 17, while Brad Evans claimed 3 for 23 as Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs while chasing 170.
Australia attempted a recovery through Matt Renshaw, who scored 65 off 44 balls, and Glenn Maxwell, who made 31. However, early strikes by Muzarabani and Evans — including wickets of Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David, and stand-in captain Travis Head — put the chase under immediate pressure. Later, Marcus Stoinis also fell as Zimbabwe tightened control.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2, anchored by an unbeaten 64 from Brian Bennett. Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) provided an aggressive start, Ryan Burl added 35, and captain Sikandar Raza finished strongly with 25 off 13 balls.
Australia were again without regular captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed the match due to injury.
Zimbabwe’s victory — sealed in the closing overs by Muzarabani and Evans — marked their second straight win in the group and echoed their earlier World Cup success over Australia in 2007. The match also saw Zimbabwe opener Marumani step in for injured Brendan Taylor, while spinner Wellington Masakadza contributed key overs to keep Australia from accelerating.