Lightning Strikes Twice As Zimbabwe Defeat Australia Again At ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Lightning Strikes Twice: Zimbabwe Defeats Australia Again At ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Zimbabwe have done it again. Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Friday, 13 February 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, remaining unbeaten against the Aussies in the tournament’s history.

The Group B clash, Match 19 of the 2026 edition, saw Zimbabwe post 169/2 before bowling Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs. Blessing Muzarabani was named Player of the Match after returning remarkable figures of 4/17.

According to ESPNcricinfo’s live coverage of the match, Zimbabwe “remain undefeated against Australia in T20 World Cups after a career-best bowling display from Blessing Muzarabani and a gutsy 64 not out from Brian Bennett”.

Muzarabani Rips Through Australia

Zimbabwe’s tall seamer Blessing Muzarabani struck early and never relented.

ESPNcricinfo reported:

“Muzarabani took 4 for 17 from four overs, ripping out the top order alongside Brad Evans in the powerplay… as Australia never really looked close to chasing Zimbabwe’s impressive 169 for 2.”

Australia were 29 for 4 inside 4.3 overs. Josh Inglis, Cameron Green and Tim David all fell in the powerplay. Travis Head chopped on in what commentators described as a “bizarre fashion”.

When Matt Renshaw tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 65 off 44 balls, Muzarabani returned to end the resistance.

The live blog noted:

“A clever slower ball did for Matt Renshaw who played a gem of a knock… He was deceived and through the shot, skying a ball to mid-off.”

Brad Evans supported with 3/23, while Zimbabwe’s fielding was described as “world class” after a stunning boundary catch from Tony Munyonga at deep midwicket.

Bennett Anchors Zimbabwe’s Total

Earlier in the day fixture, Zimbabwe won key moments with the bat after Australia opted to bowl.

Brian Bennett struck an unbeaten 64 from 56 balls, registering his 11th T20I half-century and his first at a T20 World Cup. He received what was described as “warm applause” after reaching his fifty off 43 deliveries.

Sikandar Raza added late impetus, while Ryan Burl and Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed important runs to lift Zimbabwe to 169/2 on a slowing surface.

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis suffered a left-hand injury while bowling. The match report stated:

“He immediately grabbed the hand in pain and walked straight from the field with the help of Australia’s doctor.”

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza had earlier confirmed that veteran Brendan Taylor had been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a hamstring injury sustained against Oman.