Why India need to fear Pakistan in Colombo | T20 World Cup
Highlights of the thrilling match in R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo:An early collapse sets the toneAustralia’s pursuit of 170 turned disastrous in the Powerplay as four wickets fell in just 29 runs. The dismissal of Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David left the batting line-up under immense pressure, forcing them to rebuild on a pitch that offered help with disciplined bowling. Zimbabwean sailors held firm, refusing to concede boundaries during key stages and ensuring the claim rate kept rising.Bennett runs a smart batting draftZimbabwe’s innings was built on patience rather than brute force. Bennett’s composed knock with seven boundaries allowed the partners to rotate strikes to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Tadiwanash Marumani’s brisk 35 and captain Sikandar Raza’s late success ensured the side cleared the 160 mark, which proved more than enough on a slow track. Although Australia were in control of the death overs, Zimbabwe’s measured approach had already laid the winning platform.Muzarabani’s fiery spell breaks the Australian spineThe decisive phase of the match came with the ball as Blessing Muzarabani produced a sensational spell of pace and accuracy to return to figures of 4/17. Zimbabwe, supported by Brad Evans and Wellington Masakadza, kept up the relentless pressure. Each breakthrough halted Australia’s momentum just as they threatened to mount a comeback, turning the chase into a battle against both the scoreboard and the disciplined bowling.The Maxwell-Renshaw stand sparks hope but Burl lands a blowAustralia briefly revived their chances with a 77-run partnership between Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell. Their attitude steadied the innings and reduced the equation to a manageable level before Ryan Burl struck the decisive blow, dismissing Maxwell to spark another collapse. Great catches from Bennett and sharp fielding in the closing overs sealed Zimbabwe’s dominance as Matthew Kuhnemann’s dramatic run out ended the match.