AUS vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026: Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan react, Fans go Wild as Zimbabwe continue dream run slaying Australia

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Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in their Group B match of the ICC T20 World Cup, repeating their famous victory over the Aussies from the 2007 edition and maintaining an undefeated record against them in the tournament.

Australia, led by stand-in captain Travis Head due to Mitchell Marsh's ongoing recovery from a testicular injury, won the toss and elected to field first on a slow pitch that favored disciplined batting. Zimbabwe posted a competitive 169/2 in 20 overs, their highest T20I total against Australia.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a patient unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, featuring calculated strokeplay against a varied Australian attack. He formed key partnerships, including a 61-run stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani (35 off 21) and contributions from Ryan Burl (around 40) and captain Sikandar Raza (30-odd), ensuring even scoring from the top four despite tight bowling from Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis. A notable incident saw Marcus Stoinis leave the field mid-over after a blow to his left thumb but he aimed to bat later. The powerplay yielded 47 runs without loss, setting a solid foundation, though Zimbabwe felt they left 20-25 runs behind due to cautious play in the death overs.

Chasing 170, Australia's innings imploded early under pressure from Zimbabwe's seamers. Blessing Muzarabani delivered a career-best 4-17 in four overs, dismantling the top order by removing Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David, and Travis Head within the first five overs, leaving them at 28/4. Brad Evans complemented with 3-23, including key scalps.

Matt Renshaw fought valiantly with 65 off 44 balls, partnering Glenn Maxwell (31 off 32) for a 60-run fifth-wicket stand that briefly revived hopes. However, once Maxwell departed, the middle and lower order crumbled, with Stoinis, Ellis, Zampa, and others unable to accelerate. The innings ended at 146 in 19.3 overs when Matthew Kuhnemann was run out attempting a single.

Australia vs Zimbabwe: Expert, Fan Reaction

Social media has gone wild since Zimbabwe's victory over Australia. The fans have hailed the Zimbabwean team for their outstanding achievement, while have also taken a sharp dig at the Aussies.

"A statement win from Zimbabwe! Beating Australia by 23 runs takes real character. And of course, Blessing turned out to be just that, a blessing in the truest sense, with a superb 4 wicket spell. What an exciting tournament this is shaping up to be," Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.

A fan has also trolled Babar Azam as comparing him playing in BBL leading to Australia's defeat against Zimbabwe.

A fan has depicted the unpredictability of this T20 World Cup and says every team is beatable in the tournament.

Former India player Irfan Pathan took to social media and hailed Zimbabwe as they have beaten the Aussies for the 2nd time in T20 World Cup history.

Australia have found themselves in trouble with the defeat. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be dreaming for Super Eight as they have won their first two matches.