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A spirited Zimbabwe stunned Australia with a 23-run win at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 13. After a top-order collapse, Matt Renshaw carried the run chase on his back. In the end, his efforts were not enough to take Australia over the line. Tall and lanky fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani stumped the Aussies with an economical four-fer after opener Brian Bennett 's patient took the side to a fighting total.
Even with skipper Sikandar Raza injured, Australia could not capitalise on a tricky wicket where run-scoring wasn’t easy. This was Zimbabwe's second win over the mighty Australians in T20 World Cups, repeating the inaugural edition’s (2007) feat in Cape Town.
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Muzarabani causes collapse
In the run chase, Australia got off to a poor start. Muzarabani dismissed Josh Inglis off the first ball of the second over. Brad Evans got Cameron Green out for a two-ball duck. Fit-again Tim David couldn't get off the mark either. Muzarabani got rid of him for a two-ball duck with a short ball. Then, Head dragged one on to his stumps. The skipper scored 17 runs from 15 balls. Australia were 29/4 after 4.3 overs. After powerplay overs, Australia were 38/4. Maxwell and Renshaw switched to damage control mode. After 10 overs, Australia were 67/4, needing 103 runs from remaining 60 balls.
Renshaw’s maiden T20I fifty in vain
Maxwell and Renshaw looked for boundaries as the required run rate climbed up. In the 15th over, Burl was introduced into the attack as Raza was unfit to bowl. He delivered with Maxwell's wicket. The all-rounder scored 31 runs from 32 balls. In the next over, Renshaw got to his maiden T20I fifty from 34 balls. In the same over, Wellington Masakadza got the wicket of Marcus Stoinis. The required run rate slipped out of the grasp. In the 18th over, Tony Munyonga took a sensational catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis. In the penultimate over, Renshaw fell for a 44-ball 65 to Muzarabani. Australia ended up getting bowled out for 146 with four balls left in the innings.
Bennett hits fifty, carries his bat
Earlier, the stand-in skipper Head won the toss and opted to bowl first. Bennett struggled to find boundaries whereas Tadiwanashe Marumani used the fielding restrictions well. Zimbabwe were 47 for no loss after powerplay overs. Stoinis ended Marumani's stay at the crease. He scored 35 runs from 21 balls. Burl joined Bennett in the middle. Burl was the aggressor while Bennett continued to play the anchor role. In the 15th over, Bennett got to his half-century from 43 balls.
After Stoinis injured his hand, Green came back into the attack and dismissed Burl who contributed with a 30-ball 35. In the 18th over, Dwarshuis conceded three boundaries. Zampa bowled an economical penultimate over. Raza finished the innings with a six. Zimbabwe posted 169/2. Raza delivered with a 13-ball 25 cameo. Bennett remained unbeaten for 64 off 56 balls, highest score for Zimbabwe in T20Is against Australia.
Australia's road to Super 8 becomes tough
They will hope Zimbabwe loses at least one of their remaining two games. Meanwhile, Australia have to win both of their games. Their next clash is against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February16 in Pallekele. Dasun Shanaka's SRi Lanka have two wins to their name as well. Their last group stage match is against Oman on February 20 in Pallekele as well.
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