Just as one though that Italy’’s ten wicket victory against Nepal on Thursday (12/2) was special, Zimbabwe, go and stun one of the pre-tournament favourites, Australia.

In a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the 11th-ranked Zimbabwe team pulled off arguably their greatest-ever World Cup victory in any format when they stunned second-ranked Australia by 23 runs in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Brad Evans. Photo: Cricinfo

Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a somewhat competitive 169/2 in their allotted 20 overs – a target the Aussies would have fancied chasing down.

Opening batter Brian Bennett led the charge with a composed 64* off 56 balls, striking seven boundaries. Wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani provided early fireworks with 35 off 21 deliveries, including seven fours, while Ryan Burl added a steady 35 off 30 balls.

Captain Sikandar Raza chipped in with a valuable 25 off just 13 balls to give the innings late momentum. For Australia, Cameron Green was the most economical bowler, claiming 1/6 in 1.1 overs, while Marcus Stoinis took 1/17 in 2.5 overs.

Blessing Muzarabani celebrating one of the four Australian wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

In reply, Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs. Matt Renshaw fought hard with 65 off 44 balls, with five fours and a six, while Glenn Maxwell scored 31 and captain Travis Head contributed 17. 

Remarkably, they were the only Australian batters to reach double figures as the innings folded with three balls to spare.

The hero for Zimbabwe was undoubtedly the lanky seamer Blessing Muzarabani, who tore through the Aussie batting line-up with superb figures of 4/17 in his four overs. Brad Evans played a crucial supporting role with 3/23 in 3.3 overs, while Wellington Masakadza and Burl each chipped in with a scalp.

Rightly, Muzarabani was named Player of the Match after a spell that has blown Group B wide open.

Zimbabwean fans made their presence felt. Photo: Cricinfo

“I think I was bowling to some of the best players in the world, so I’m really happy it came off nicely,” said Muzarabani.

“The good thing is I saw the boundary was in my favour and I just had to use that. The wicket was also a bit slow.

“I believe Brad Evans bowled really well. Richie was missed, but Brad stepped up, and everyone else also bowled well.”

Marcus Stoinis sustained a niggle in the defeat to add further insult to injury. Photo: Cricinfo

“It’s sometimes hard to nail the yorker length, but today it just worked out. It’s really good to beat Australia, but it will be even nicer to qualify, so we’re looking forward to the next game.”

With two wins from two, Zimbabwe have all but secured their place in the next round. On Tuesday at 11:30, they face Ireland in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg