Zimbabwe stun Australia in Colombo

Zimbabwe have done it! They have caused the first big upset of the T20 World Cup with some splendid bowling against Australia, winning by 23 runs. 

In one of the biggest shocks in 2026 T20 World Cup history, Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 13-run victory over a star-studded Australia side at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The Chevrons' defense of 169, following a clinical opening-round performance against Oman, has sent Australia's Super 8s qualification hopes into jeopardy.

After being sent in to bat by stand-in Australian captain Travis Head, Zimbabwe's openers laid a solid foundation. Brian Bennett played a career-defining unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, while Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl contributed fluent 35s.

Captain Sikandar Raza, despite battling leg cramps in Colombo's humid conditions, smashed a quick 25 off 13 balls, finishing with a massive six off Nathan Ellis to take Zimbabwe to 169/2.

Australia's chase began disastrously, with the visitors reduced to 29/4 inside the first five overs. Blessing Muzarabani set the tone by dismissing Josh Inglis, while Brad Evans removed Cameron Green and Travis Head. Tim David fell for a duck to Muzarabani, leaving Australia's middle order under immense pressure.

Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw (63) fought valiantly, but Zimbabwe regained control when Burl removed Maxwell in the 15th over.

The match was sealed in the 18th and 19th overs. Muzarabani returned to dismiss Renshaw, then cleaned up Adam Zampa for his 100th T20I wicket, finishing with career-best figures of 4/17. The final wicket came via a run-out of Matthew Kuhnemann, as Australia fell short with 24 runs required from the last four balls.

The result not only marks a historic win for Zimbabwe but also severely complicates Australia's path to the Super 8s, cementing the Chevrons' reputation as giant-slayers in this tournament.