WEB DESK: Zimbabwe national cricket team handed a crushing 23-run defeat to Australia national cricket team in a Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Friday.
Set 170 for victory, Australia were dismissed for 146 in 19.3 overs after slipping to 29 for four inside the powerplay. The result leaves their campaign in serious difficulty.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169 for two in their allotted 20 overs. Brian Bennett struck an unbeaten 64 from 56 balls, while Tadiwanashe Marumani made 35 from 21 deliveries. Ryan Burl added 35 and captain Sikandar Raza remained not out on 25 from 13 balls.
Australia’s reply faltered at the outset. Josh Inglis fell for eight, Travis Head made 17, and Cameron Green and Tim David were dismissed without scoring. At 29 for four in 4.3 overs, the chase had already lost direction.
Matt Renshaw offered resistance with 65 from 44 balls, registering his maiden T20 international half-century, but he found little support as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Blessing Muzarabani returned figures of four for 17 in four overs, while Brad Evans claimed three for 23. The pair removed Australia’s top order in the powerplay and ensured there was no recovery.
Zimbabwe, who defeated Oman in their opening fixture, moved into second place in Group B. Australia must now defeat Sri Lanka and Oman and improve their net run rate to keep hopes of progress alive.
