Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, right, celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Adam Zampa, left, during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Australia and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI) Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has described Zimbabwe’s win over Australia as a “statement win” after they defeated Australia by 23 runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans led the effort with the ball, taking four and three wickets respectively. Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, giving Zimbabwe a 23-run win in their second match.“Zimbabwe win! It takes real character to beat Australia by 23 runs. And of course Blessing proved to be just that, a blessing in the true sense of the word, with an excellent 4-wicket spell. What an exciting tournament it’s shaping up to be!” Tendulkar posted on X.Matt Renshaw top scored for Australia with 65 but did not get support from the other batsmen. Zimbabwe recorded their second win over Australia in the T20 World Cup, having beaten them for the first time in 2007.Chasing 170, Australia lost the first wickets as the Zimbabwean pacers used movement to trouble the top order.Glenn Maxwell tried to rebuild the innings and added 77 runs with Renshaw. Renshaw struck while Maxwell rotated the strike at the start of his innings.Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Zimbabwe’s efforts in the field. “This is clinical from Zim. The batting and bowling were superb but Tony Munyonga’s fielding piled on the pressure. He saved at least 12-15 runs and sealed the deal with a spectacular catch at deep mid-wicket. When the dimensions of the pitch are right, the cricketing skills really come to the fore and give every side a chance in this cup.”Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs, led by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64. Openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on 61 runs for the first wicket and defied the Australian seamers.Marcus Stoinis broke the deadlock in the eighth over by dismissing Marumani, who made 35 off 21 balls with seven fours.Bennett then added 70 runs with Ryan Burle scoring 35 off 30 balls before getting to the last ball in the 16th over. Bennett reached his fifty in 43 balls and remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 deliveries as Zimbabwe set the target.
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