Zimbabwe vs Australia: Zimbabwe Defend 169 to Beat Australia

Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in a group stage clash that tightened quickly and ended firmly.

Australia never recovered from the early damage. They slipped to 29 for 4 inside five overs, and the chase was already under strain. Josh Inglis fell first. Cameron Green edged behind soon after. Tim David lasted two balls. Travis Head departed next.

The crowd reacted instantly. You could hear the shock around the ground.

Zimbabwe’s Bowlers Set the Tone

Muzarabani set the tone from the start. He hit hard lengths, drew mistakes, and finished with 4 for 17. Brad Evans backed him up with three crucial wickets. They kept it straight, cut off the angles, and gave Australia nothing easy.

Australia's total kept falling behind the target. Matt Renshaw countered with 65 off 44 balls, but the asking rate never dropped.

Glenn Maxwell attempted to steady the innings, yet he never found the rhythm to take the game away.

Renshaw Fights, Zimbabwe Close It Out

Renshaw struck five fours and a six and briefly kept Australia alive. He pushed the scoring, ran hard, and tried to drag the chase back. But when he fell at 139 for 8, the fight drained out of the innings.

Zimbabwe bowled Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs and sealed the game with calm control. Players shook hands as the crowd rose in appreciation.

A collective team effort defined the night. That is how Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs, a victory that tightens the group table and strengthens their push in the T20 World Cup 2026.