COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Towering fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani produced a career-best spell of 4-17 as Zimbabwe stunned Australia with a dramatic 23-run victory in the T20 World Cup.
Defending a target of 170 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Zimbabwe held their nerve after Australia threatened a comeback. The five-time champions slumped to 29-4 before a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell revived hopes.
Australia required 34 runs from the final two overs, but the contest swung decisively when Muzarabani dismissed Renshaw for 65 with eight balls remaining. He returned in the penultimate over to seal the win and spark jubilant celebrations.
The result leaves Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points ahead of their meeting on Monday.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza praised his side’s unity and resilience. “The culture, environment and unity we’ve created makes me extremely proud — and to win is unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s a great position, but it guarantees nothing. The next game is now the most important.”
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169-6 after being asked to bat first. Brian Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 56 balls, while Tadiwanashe Marumani struck 35 from 21 deliveries and Ryan Burl added 35 from 30.
Raza’s unbeaten 25 off 13 balls, including the only six of the innings off the final delivery, provided late momentum.
Australia’s chase faltered early as Muzarabani and Brad Evans (3-23) removed Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David. Maxwell’s 31 briefly steadied the innings, but his dismissal increased the pressure before Muzarabani delivered the decisive blows.
