Zimbabwe won by 23 runs from Australia in their 19th T20 World Cup clash on Friday, at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Zimbabwe set a target of 169 runs for two wickets in their 20 overs, powered by a fluent 64 runs (not out) from Brian Bennett and 35 runs from Tadiwanashe Marumani as they capitalised on a strong start after being put into bat.

In reply, Australia never recovered from a disastrous Powerplay collapse, losing four early wickets and struggling to build partnerships.

Despite a fighting 65 runs from Matt Renshaw, they were restricted to 146 runs and all out by 19 overs.

Blessing Muzarabani was named Player of the Match, finishing with career‑best figures of 4 wickets and 17 runs, while Brad Evans supported with 3 wickets for 23 runs to derail the Australian chase.

The result puts Zimbabwe in a strong position in Group B, handing the higher‑ranked Australians a major blow in their hopes of advancing to the Super Eight stage.