Zimbabwe delivered the biggest shock of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup on February 13, defeating a stunned Australia by 23 runs in the 19th match of the tournament at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The result marks the first major upset of this edition and has thrown Group B standings into disarray, with Zimbabwe surging to the top of the table.

Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted an imposing 169 for 2 from their 20 overs, anchored by a composed and increasingly aggressive innings from Brian Bennett, who finished unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls. Bennett was involved in two crucial partnerships that formed the backbone of the innings. He and opener Tadiwanashe Marumani put on 61 runs for the opening wicket, with Marumani contributing a brisk 35 before falling to Cameron Green, Australia's sole success with the ball.

Bennett then combined with Ryan Burl for a 70-run second-wicket stand that steadily pushed the scoring rate upward. Burl made 35 before departing, and skipper Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease to provide a late flourish, smashing an unbeaten 25 off just 13 deliveries. The partnership of 38 runs between Bennett and Raza in the final overs ensured Zimbabwe posted a total well beyond what most had predicted. Australia's bowling attack looked toothless for much of the innings, with Green's figures of 1 for 6 the only real bright spot.

In response, Australia's chase was derailed almost immediately. Blessing Muzarabani produced a devastating spell of fast bowling that ripped through the top order during the powerplay. Australia lost four wickets inside the first six overs, with Muzarabani accounting for several key scalps. Travis Head managed just 17 off 15 balls before Muzarabani found his edge, while Tim David was dismissed for a duck off just two deliveries. Cameron Green also departed for a golden duck, falling to the medium pace of Brad Evans.

Muzarabani finished with career-best T20 World Cup figures of 4 for 17 from his four overs, the best bowling performance by any Zimbabwe player in the history of the men's T20 World Cup and the finest figures by a Zimbabwean bowler against a full member nation. Evans provided excellent support with 3 for 23 in 3.3 overs, making it a thoroughly dominant bowling display.

Matt Renshaw fought a lonely battle in the Australian middle order, compiling 65 off 44 balls in an effort to keep the chase alive. Glenn Maxwell chipped in with 31, but once Renshaw was deceived by a Muzarabani slower ball in the 19th over, the game was effectively over. Australia were bowled out for 146, falling 23 runs short of the target.

The result leaves the Group B standings in flux. Zimbabwe sit proudly at the top with two wins from two matches, while Australia slip to third with one win and one defeat. The Australians still have two group matches remaining against Sri Lanka on February 16 and Oman on February 20, meaning qualification for the Super 8 stage remains firmly in their hands, but the aura of invincibility has been well and truly shattered.

As the tournament moves forward, all eyes now turn to the blockbuster India versus Pakistan clash scheduled for February 15 at the same venue in Colombo. Both teams enter the match unbeaten, with Pakistan having won their last five matches across formats and India boasting a balanced squad under captain Suryakumar Yadav. But if Zimbabwe's triumph over Australia has taught fans anything, it is that this T20 World Cup is wide open and full of surprises.