![Zimbabwe upset Australia in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @iiamirfanali/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770974324286_ZIMvsAUSMatchReportforT20WorldCup2026.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe upset Australia in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @iiamirfanali/X.com]
Zimbabwe sprang one of the biggest upsets in this T20 World Cup 2026 with a thrilling victory against Australia in Group B. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a confident 169/2 before producing a disciplined bowling display to bowl Australia out for 146.
From a good start with the bat, through a good spell with the ball, Zimbabwe dominated important aspects of the match and ensured a remarkable 23-run win.
Openers put Zimbabwe in a strong position
After being put to bat first, Zimbabwe began positively in the powerplay, scoring 47 runs without losing early momentum. Tadiwanashe Marumani played with intent as he struck 35 off 21 balls, hitting seven boundaries.
His aggressive approach gave Zimbabwe early control. After his dismissal at 61, Brian Bennett took charge. He paced his innings well and kept the scoreboard moving.
Ryan Burl supported him with a composed 35 off 30 balls. The two contributed 70 runs to the second wicket, laying a platform for a strong finish.
Late acceleration lifts Zimbabwe to a strong total
In the final overs, Zimbabwe shifted gears. Bennett stayed unbeaten on 64 from 56 balls. He found gaps and rotated strike smartly. The late spark came through captain Sikandar Raza, who muscled 25 off mere 13 balls, with a six and two fours.
Their unbeaten 38-run stand ensured a strong finish. Meanwhile, Australia’s bowlers struggled to break partnerships. Only Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green managed a wicket each. Zimbabwe’s controlled batting effort helped them reach a challenging total of 169/2.
Early collapse shocks Australia
Chasing 170, Australia needed a steady start. Instead, they were rocked early. Josh Inglis fell in the second over, and Cameron Green and Tim David followed quickly. Travis Head tried to counter but was dismissed in the powerplay.
At 29/4, the chase was already in trouble. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined. Blessing Muzarabani struck with pace and accuracy.
Brad Evans backed him up. Australia managed only 38 runs in the powerplay and had lost key batters. The upset was suddenly on the cards.
Zimbabwe pulls off the upset of the tournament
Despite the odds, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw rebuilt the innings. They added important runs and tried to calm things down. Maxwell made 31 but could not accelerate. His wicket at 106/5 hurt Australia again.
Renshaw kept fighting, scoring a brave 65 off 44 balls and gave hope. But wickets kept falling at the other end. Stoinis, Dwarshuis and Zampa could not stay long.
Muzarabani returned to clean up the tail and finished with four wickets. Evans took three. Zimbabwe held their nerve in the final overs. Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
It turned out to be the upset of the tournament as Zimbabwe outplayed Australia in all departments and sealed a famous 23-run win.
