T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points Table
Asked to bat first, Zimbabwe built their innings around a composed opening partnership between Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. The duo added 61 runs in just 7.3 overs, setting the tone for a strong total.
Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 56 deliveries, while Marumani’s aggressive 35 off 21 balls kept the pressure on the bowlers early. Ryan Burl contributed a valuable 35 in the middle overs before captain Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with a 13-ball 25 not out, lifting Zimbabwe to 169 for two.
Cameroon Green and Marcus Stoinis managed one wicket apiece but found little assistance.
Australia’s chase never recovered from early setbacks despite resistance from Matt Renshaw, who top-scored with 65, and Glenn Maxwell, who added 31.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Blessing Muzarabani delivering a match-winning spell of 4/15, well supported by Brad Evans’ 3/23, as Australia were restricted to 146 in 19.3 overs.
Playing XIs:
Australia XI: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
Zimbabwe XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani
