Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Australia suffered a major setback in their race to reach the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup after losing to Zimbabwe by 23 runs in Colombo on Friday.
Zimbabwe, playing Australia in a T20 World Cup match for the first time in 19 years, produced a strong all-round performance to register a memorable win.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 64, guiding the team with a composed innings. Zimbabwe got off to a solid start in the powerplay, reaching 47 without loss in six overs after Australia chose to bowl first.
Australia tried to slow down the scoring by using spinners Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, but Zimbabwe continued to score freely. The first breakthrough came when Marcus Stoinis dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani for 35, caught behind.
Bennett then built a crucial 70-run partnership with Ryan Burl, helping Zimbabwe cross the 100-run mark in the 13th over. Burl scored 35, but he was dismissed on the final ball of the 16th over by Cameron Green.
Australia had a brief moment of concern when Stoinis left the field after being hit on his hand while stopping a powerful shot from Burl. Despite Australia tightening the bowling towards the end through Zampa and Nathan Ellis, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza finished unbeaten on 25 and hit the first six of the innings on the final ball, taking Zimbabwe to 169/2.
In reply, Australia’s chase collapsed early. They lost four wickets inside the first five overs, putting them under heavy pressure. Maxwell played a quick knock of 31, but after his dismissal, Australia slipped to 106 for 5.
Matt Renshaw fought back with 65, trying to keep Australia in the chase. However, Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 17, as Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
With this result, Australia’s qualification hopes suffered a blow, while Zimbabwe strengthened their position in Group B with a famous victory.
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