Australia suffers shock defeat by Zimbabwe at T20 World Cup
Published on Friday, 13 February 2026 at 10:00 pm
Colombo: Zimbabwe produced the first seismic shock of the T20 World Cup, stunning heavyweights Australia by 23 runs at a vibrant R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday night. The African minnows, unfancied in Group B, defended 169 for 2 by bowling out the Australians for 146 in 19.3 overs to ignite the tournament and throw the group wide open.
After winning the toss and batting first on a true surface, Zimbabwe’s top order cashed in to post the competition’s highest total so far. Their 169 for 2 represented commanding progress against an Australian attack that had entered the match boasting a perfect record in the Super 12 stage.
Australia’s reply began briskly but quickly unravelled under a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling effort. Seamer Blessing Muzarabani spearheaded the assault, extracting bounce and movement to destabilise the chase. Regular strikes prevented any partnership from flourishing, and the required run rate ballooned before the last wicket fell with three balls unused.
The result vaults Zimbabwe into unexpected contention while Australia must regroup rapidly to keep their semi-final hopes alive in a group that also features two yet-to-play fixtures.
Zimbabwean supporters danced in the stands as the final wicket tumbled, celebrating a victory that will reverberate far beyond Colombo and carve an early signature moment in this World Cup campaign.
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Source: bdtonline
