Colombo, Feb 13 — On a sticky Colombo evening, Zimbabwe reminded the cricketing world that grit and discipline can topple giants. Defending 169 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, they stunned injury-hit Australia by 23 runs, sealing their second win of the T20 World Cup 2026 after beating Oman earlier this week.

Zimbabwe’s batting was built on patience and precision rather than fireworks. Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a calm, unbeaten 64, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani laid the foundation at the top, while Ryan Burl kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs. Captain Sikandar Raza added a late spark, smashing 25 off just 13 deliveries to push the total to 169 for 2.

Australia’s reply unraveled almost immediately. Missing Mitchell Marsh, their top order looked rattled against Blessing Muzarabani’s relentless pace and accuracy. Muzarabani tore through the lineup with figures of 4 for 17, well supported by Brad Evans. Reduced to 29 for 4 inside four overs, Australia were forced into survival mode.

Matt Renshaw offered resistance with a fighting 65, and Glenn Maxwell briefly threatened with a brisk 31. But Zimbabwe never lost control, tightening the screws with sharp fielding and disciplined bowling. Muzarabani’s return spell sealed the deal, leaving Australia short and Group B wide open.

Zimbabwe’s triumph wasn’t about reinvention — it was about mastering the basics. And on this night, the basics were more than enough.