Zimbabwe national cricket team produced the first major upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup, defeating injury-hit former champions Australia national cricket team by 23 runs on Friday.

It was only Zimbabwe’s second victory over Australia in T20 World Cup history, the previous one coming in the 2007 edition.

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Riding on a fluent unbeaten 64 from opener Brian Bennett and solid contributions from the top order, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169 for 2 after being invited to bat by Australia, who were missing several frontline bowlers.

The African side then bundled Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs on a sluggish surface to seal a famous win.

Top-order collapse sinks Australia

Chasing 170, Australia endured a disastrous start. They slumped to 29 for 4 inside 4.3 overs with Josh Inglis (8), Travis Head (17), Cameron Green (0) and Tim David (0) falling cheaply.

From 38 for 4 at the end of the Powerplay, Australia crawled to 67 for 4 at the halfway mark, still needing 103 runs.

Matt Renshaw fought back with a valiant 65 off 44 balls, while Glenn Maxwell added 31. The pair stitched together a 77-run fifth-wicket stand to revive hopes.

However, Ryan Burl broke the partnership when Maxwell inside-edged onto his stumps. With 56 needed from the final five overs, Australia lost momentum again. Marcus Stoinis, who had earlier left the field after being struck on the hand, managed only 6.

Bennett then produced a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis, handing Brad Evans his third wicket. Australia’s hopes faded quickly as Renshaw, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann fell in the closing overs.

Muzarabani leads bowling charge

Earlier, Zimbabwe’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Blessing Muzarabani starred with figures of 4 for 17, while Evans claimed 3 for 23. Wellington Masakadza and Burl chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Australia, missing the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, appeared short of cutting edge with the ball. Even Adam Zampa was kept quiet, returning wicketless figures of 0 for 31 in his four overs.

Bennett anchors Zimbabwe innings

Zimbabwe’s innings was built around a 61-run opening stand between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Marumani struck 35, as did Burl later, while captain Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls.

Zimbabwe reached 47 without loss at the end of the Powerplay and accelerated steadily to 125 for 1 after 15 overs. Though they managed just one six in the innings and scored 44 runs in the final five overs, the total proved more than sufficient on a slow pitch.

An injury scare for Stoinis during the 16th over added to Australia’s woes. Attempting a return catch off a Burl full toss, he hurt his hand and walked off the field, compounding an already difficult evening for the former champions.

In the end, Zimbabwe’s collective brilliance, with both bat and ball, scripted a memorable win that will be remembered as one of their finest moments on the T20 World Cup stage.