![Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the T20 World Cup encounter [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770974827559_ZimbabwedefeatedAustraliaintheT20WorldCupencounter.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the T20 World Cup encounter [Source: X]
The T20 World Cup 2026 has been a tournament of shock and despair, with emerging nations creating a huge impact. Adding to the grandeur of upset, Zimbabwe have beaten one of the pre-seeded teams of the tournament, Australia, on February 13, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
One of the favourites of the tournament, Australia, suffered a defeat by 23 runs while chasing a modest 170 from Zimbabwe. Needless to say, Australia had a mammoth collapse with the bat as they had 4 wickets down inside 4.3 overs.
Zimbabwe Shame Australia With Surprising Victory
Zimbabwe effectively broke multiple records with this win as Blessing Muzarabani lifted the Player of the Match award for his bowling temperament that saw him claim a four-wicket haul in his four overs while giving away only 17 runs. Brad Evans also joined in Australia’s destruction as he bagged three wickets while conceding just 23 runs.
Muzarabani's performance was truly extraordinary and helped Zimbabwe defeat Australia for the second time in T20 World Cups. This also helped Zimbabwe level their head-to-head record against Australia, which now reads 2-2 between the two sides.
This noticeable achievement was possible as Australia collapsed under immense pressure. The Chevrons defeated the mighty Aussies, and now Group B is wide open for all calculations, combinations, and permutations. From effortless fielding to athletic brilliance on the field, Zimbabwe were hands down the best team on the ground on February 13.
Netizens Slam Australia For T20 World Cup Defeat
This defeat for Australia, who have not been in solid form recently, has been criticised by many fans on the internet. Netizens slammed Australia for their poor and disappointing run of form continuing since the Pakistan T20I series.
Let's take a look at how fans reacted at Australia's loss against Zimbabwe:
How Zimbabwe Crafted Australia's Misery
Inside the powerplay, Australia lost four wickets while scoring 38 runs. In contrast, Zimbabwe scored 47 runs in the powerplay without losing a single wicket.
The middle-over phase, however, seemed to be on par with Australia, yet the death overs saw a dramatic collapse that Australia never needed. They lost four wickets for just 24 runs, which eventually led to their defeat.
The impressive spells from Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, and Graeme Cremer, who kept the pressure consistent on the batting side with their economical bowling in the middle overs, helped Zimbabwe seal the win.
Zimbabwe Batting Against Aussie Attack
From Zimbabwe's batting side, Brian Bennett was the top scorer with 64 runs off 56 deliveries. He remained unbeaten alongside Sikandar Raza, who chipped in with a quick 25 off 13 balls, along with contributions from Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl. Both of them scored 35 runs each. From Australia's side, it was a total howler from the very beginning.
Josh Inglis scored only 8 runs, while Travis Head also failed, managing just 17. Tim David and Cameron Green, both of whom were expected to be explosive in the middle order, were dismissed for ducks by Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani, respectively.
Matt Renshaw made 65 off 44 balls; however, it was in vain since the late middle order collapsed, failing to keep up with the required run rate.
Group B Standings In Chaos With The Upset
It is surprising that even with a batting line-up as deep as number eight, including Ben Dwarshuis' explosive abilities, Australia failed to counter a team that has not seen many successes in the T20 format.
This victory moves Zimbabwe to second position in Group B, as they have won two out of two matches, earning four points with a net run rate of 1.984. Australia, however, will now be under pressure as they have won only one of the two matches they have played.
.jpg?type=mq "Sensational Catch")
