ICC T20 World Cup shockwave: Zimbabwe script famous upset, stun Australia by 23 runs

In one of the biggest jolts of the tournament so far, Zimbabwe produced a performance brimming with belief and discipline to topple injury-hit former champions Australia by 23 runs on Friday, a result that might echo well beyond this World Cup.

The African side rode a composed, unbeaten 64 from opener Brian Bennett and spirited contributions across the top order to post a competitive 169 for 2 after being invited to bat. But it was with the ball that Zimbabwe truly carved their moment in history, bundling Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs on a sluggish surface that rewarded patience and precision.

Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani led the charge with a fiery 4 for 17, while Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl chipped in to dismantle a faltering chase. The victory marked only Zimbabwe’s second win over Australia in T20 World Cups, the first coming back in 2007 under Prosper Utseya in Cape Town.


Australia’s pursuit never truly recovered from a disastrous start. Reduced to 29 for 4 inside five overs, they lost Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David in a top-order collapse that tilted the contest sharply.

A counterattack from Matt Renshaw (65 off 44) and Glenn Maxwell (31) briefly reignited hopes through a brisk 77-run stand, but Burl’s breakthrough — Maxwell chopping onto his stumps — snapped the momentum at a crucial juncture.

Needing 56 off the last five overs, Australia faltered again. Marcus Stoinis, who had earlier left the field nursing a hand injury, fell cheaply, while Bennett capped his day with a stunning boundary catch to remove Ben Dwarshuis. Late wickets, including those of Renshaw and Adam Zampa, sealed Australia’s fate.

Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings had been built on measured aggression. Bennett anchored the effort with seven crisp boundaries, sharing a fluent opening stand with wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani, while Burl added 35 and captain Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls. Despite scoring just one six, Zimbabwe’s calculated approach kept the scoreboard ticking.

Australia’s depleted attack — missing frontline names and struggling for early bite — allowed Zimbabwe to settle. Spinner Zampa went wicketless, and even when Matthew Kuhnemann and others slowed the scoring late, the platform had already been laid.

By the time the final wicket fell, Zimbabwe had not just won a match — they had delivered a statement. In a tournament that thrives on drama, the underdogs had authored a script worthy of its grandest stage.