COLOMBO : Australia’s bid to reach the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup suffered an early setback after the former champions slumped to a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe in Group B on Friday.
Opener Brian Bennett struck an unbeaten 64 to help Zimbabwe post 169-2 at the R Premadasa Stadium, and Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs in reply.
Chasing 170 for victory, the 2021 champions endured a disastrous start, losing four wickets inside the first five overs. Glenn Maxwell attempted to revive the innings with 31, but his dismissal left Australia struggling at 106-5 with just over five overs remaining.
Matt Renshaw kept hopes alive with a fighting 65, yet Zimbabwe’s bowlers tightened their grip, led by player of the match Blessing Muzarabani (4-17) and Brad Evans (3-23), to seal a famous win.
“I’m very happy, but above all very proud,” Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said after battling cramp in the Colombo humidity.
“It was nice to watch from outside and see how the team went about their business, the culture and unity we have created over a long time. A win on top of that is unbelievable.”
Earlier, Zimbabwe made a confident start after being put in to bat, reaching 47 without loss in the powerplay. Bennett anchored the innings and shared a 70-run stand with Ryan Burl, who made 35, as they crossed 100 in the 13th over.
Australia’s stand-in skipper Travis Head rotated his spinners, including Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann and Maxwell, but struggled to contain the scoring. Marcus Stoinis removed Tadiwanashe Marumani for 35, while Cameron Green dismissed Burl.
Raza finished unbeaten on 25 and struck the innings’ only six off the final ball to lift Zimbabwe to a competitive total.
“We thought it was a good wicket,” Head said. “It was a little bit tacky at the start. In the second innings we lost wickets and put ourselves under pressure.
“The Zimbabwe boys bowled well and the scoreboard pressure went up. It’s disappointing, but that’s the game.”
Australia next face Sri Lanka on Monday, while Zimbabwe take on Ireland a day later.
