Zimbabwe stun Australia with clinical all-round display

Zimbabwe out-batted, out-bowled, and out-fielded Australia to secure a clinical 23-run win against the former champions. Matt Renshaw's 44-ball 65 proved insufficient as Australia were bowled out for 146, chasing Zimbabwe's 169 for 2 on a slow surface. This marks Zimbabwe's second T20 World Cup victory over Australia.

The win came despite injury concerns for Zimbabwe, with skipper Sikandar Raza limited by a hamstring issue and Graeme Cremer bowling despite a split webbing.

Australia's chase faltered early, losing their top four within 27 balls to Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans. Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell attempted a recovery, but excellent Zimbabwean fielding in the deep stifled their big shots. Boundary saves in the latter half of the innings forced risky heaves, leading to Maxwell's dismissal in the 15th over when he hit his own stumps. A spectacular diving catch by Tony Munyonga in the 18th over removed Ben Dwarshuis.

Muzarabani, the early destroyer, returned to dismiss Renshaw with a well-executed cutter, ending Australia's resistance.

Zimbabwe's batters laid the platform after being put in to bat. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani started watchfully before accelerating. Marumani attacked aggressively, including taking 14 runs off a Glenn Maxwell over. The pair added 61 before Marumani fell in the 8th over.

Zimbabwe then focused on smart cricket, rotating strike and picking occasional boundaries instead of forcing big shots. Bennett anchored the innings, bringing up his half-century in the 16th over. A 70-run partnership was broken when Ryan Burl's powerful drive injured Marcus Stoinis' fingers, forcing him off. Cameron Green, completing the over, dismissed Burl with his first ball.

Bennett and Raza provided late impetus to push Zimbabwe to a competitive total on a surface where Australia ultimately failed to adapt.

Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 169/2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64*, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35, Ryan Burl 35) beat Australia 146 in 19.3 overs (Matt Renshaw 65, Glenn Maxwell 31; Blessing Muzarabani 4-17, Brad Evans 3-23) by 23 runs.