Kamal Ghorui
Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar described Zimbabwe’s win over Australia as a “statement win” after they defeated Australia by 23 runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans led the effort with the ball, taking four and three wickets respectively. Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, handing Zimbabwe a 23-run victory in their second match.“A statement win from Zimbabwe! Beating Australia by 23 runs takes real character. And of course, Blessing turned out to be just that, a blessing in the truest sense, with a superb 4 wicket spell. What an exciting tournament this is shaping up to be!” Tendulkar posted on X.
Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 65 but did not get support from the other batters. Zimbabwe registered their second win over Australia in a T20 World Cup, having first beaten them in the 2007 edition.Chasing 170, Australia lost early wickets as Zimbabwe’s pacers used movement to trouble the top order.Glenn Maxwell tried to rebuild the innings and added 77 runs with Renshaw. Renshaw attacked while Maxwell rotated the strike in the early part of his innings.Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Zimbabwe’s fielding effort. “This is clinical from Zim. Batting and bowling have been great but Tony Munyonga’s fielding has piled on the pressure. He has saved at least 12-15 runs and closes the deal with a spectacular catch at deep mid wicket. When the ground sizes are proper, cricketing skills truly come to the fore giving a chance for all facets of the game. Really liked how the pitches have been really balanced this T20 World Cup,” posted Ashwin.Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs, led by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64. Openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on 61 runs for the first wicket, taking on the Australian seamers.Marcus Stoinis broke the stand in the eighth over by dismissing Marumani, who made 35 off 21 balls with seven fours.Bennett then added 70 runs with Ryan Burl, who scored 35 off 30 balls before getting out on the final ball of the 16th over. Bennett reached his fifty in 43 balls and remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 deliveries as Zimbabwe set the target.
