T20 World Cup: Group B thrown wide open as blessing Muzarabani helps Zimbabwe stun Australia

Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani celebrates after taking a wicket (PTI Photo)

This T20 World Cup has teased with near upsets, with lesser-fancied teams pushing heavyweights to the brink. On Friday, the underdog went one better. It was supposed to be a familiar script, Australia the colossus, Zimbabwe the understudy. But under Colombo’s humid skies, where the air hung heavy and the pitch gripped, Zimbabwe defied the odds to stun Australia by 23 runs.

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Zimbabwe fought, contested every run, defended every inch. In the deep, they clung onto screamers, turning half opportunities into match-altering moments and it resulted in their second win over the Australians in T20 World Cup history. The first was in the inaugural edition in South Africa. For the former champions, depleted by a groin injury to captain Mitchell Marsh, and unavailability of bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia found themselves under pressure after losing early wickets while chasing 170, eventually folding for 146. Zimbabwe controlled the tempo, dictated the terms, and didn’t try to blast the doors open. Batting first, their 169/2 was a masterclass in tempo. Wickets were preserved through the sticky middle overs. Zimbabwe’s innings moved with a patient pulse, waiting for the bowlers to blink. When the moment arrived, they detonated with precision. Set up by a polished, unbeaten 56-ball 64 from opener Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe blended aggression with calculated acceleration. Bennett’s partner Tadiwanashe Marumani set the tone, cracking 35 off 21 in a lively opening stand of 61. Ryan Burl matched Bennett stroke for stroke during a 70-run partnership for the second wicket, contributing a fluent 35 before holding out to Cameron Green in the 16th over. Captain Sikandar Raza delivered the late thrust with an unbeaten 25 from 13 which lifted Zimbabwe to a match-winning total. For Australia, the slide began early. Pacer Blessing Muzarabani struck in his first over, removing Josh Inglis and also accounted for Tim David inside the Powerplay. Brad Evans proved an ideal foil, accounting for Cameron Green and stand-in captain Travis Head. Australia were reeling at 29/4 in five overs. Glenn Maxwell attempted a rebuild but never found fluency, grinding to 31 off 32 before Burl bowled him. Matt Renshaw counterpunched with a spirited 65 from 44 balls, briefly reviving hopes. But Muzarabani returned to extinguish embers of a possible Aussie fightback. His 4/17, a career-best bowling display and Brad Evans’ three-wicket burst ensured there was no late twist. Zimbabwe fielded like their lives were dependent on it. A stunning catch in the deep by Tony Munyonga to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis showcased Zimbabwe’s intent.

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