Zimbabwe have pulled off a massive T20 World Cup shock as they defeated tournament favourites Australia by 23 runs today.
Blessing Muzarabani was excellent with the ball, as he picked up four wickets and conceded just 17 in his four overs.
Australia won the toss and put Zimbabwe into bat at the R Premadasa Stadium.
However, things did not go according to plan for the Aussies as openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 61-run partnership.
Bennett showed skilful batting rather than power-hitting as he reached 64 off 56 with the help of seven boundaries.
Marcus Stoinis broke the opening stand by removing Marumani, who hit a brisk 35 off 21.
Bennett then partnered with Ryan Burl to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Burl was run out for 35, but captain Sikandar Raza’s blistering cameo helped Zimbabwe post a competitive 170 target.
In reply, Australia made a disastrous start to their innings, losing Josh Inglis in the second over to Muzarabani’s bowling.
Cameron White edged the ball to the keeper without scoring, before Tim David also went for a duck.
Brad Evans stunned Australia by bowling out the dangerous Travis Head, who hit three boundaries to score 17.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw brought Australia back in the contest as the duo held on to take them past 100.
But just when the Aussies started accelerating the scoring, Burl removed Maxwell on 31, and Stoinis soon followed him to the pavilion.
Renshaw continued to resist, but the match was almost over for Australia when he departed on 65.
The result is not a disaster for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, having won their opening fixture against Ireland by 67 runs.
Australia will return to action on Monday when they take on Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
