Australia in deep trouble after Zimbabwe’s statement Win, Tendulkar applauds as group B Qualification race turns Brutal

Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in T20 world cup shocker

In the first major upset of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe stunned former champions Australia by 23 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13.

Zimbabwe posted a commanding 169/2, powered by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 and a late blitz from captain Sikandar Raza. But the real destruction came with the ball. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a sensational 4/17 spell, ripping through Australia’s top order in the powerplay and becoming the first Zimbabwean to claim 100 T20I wickets.

Australia’s chase never fully recovered despite a fighting 77-run stand between Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell. Once that partnership was broken, the collapse was swift, and the Aussies were bowled out for 146 in the 20th over.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed it as a “statement win,” praising Zimbabwe’s character and Muzarabani’s match-defining spell.

Super 8 Equation: Australia Under Pressure

With the defeat, Australia slip to third in Group B behind Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Their qualification path is now brutal:

• Must beat Sri Lanka on February 16.

• Must defeat Oman convincingly on February 20 to boost Net Run Rate.

• Hope Zimbabwe drop at least one of their remaining games.

One more slip, and the five-time champions could face an early exit. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have thrown the group wide open — and sent a loud message to the cricketing elite.