Colombo, February 13 Zimbabwe produced the first major upset of the T20 World Cup, with a stunning 23-run victory over injury-hit Australia in their Group B match here on Friday.
Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe scored a challenging 169 for two.
Openers Brian Bennett (64 not out off 56 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (35 off 21) provided a strong start for Zimbabwe, adding 61 runs in 7.3 overs.
Ryan Burl (35 off 30 balls) and captain Sikandar Raza (25 not out off 13 balls) also made valuable contributions.
Cameroon Green (1/6) and Marcus Stoinis (1/17) were the wicket-takers for Australia.
In reply, Australia's top order failed to perform, before Matt Renshaw (65 off 44) and Glenn Maxwell (31 off 32) scored the bulk of the runs, but they fell short, finishing at 146 in 19.3 overs.
For Zimbabwe, right-arm fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani (4/15) registered a career-best figures, supported by Brad Evans (3/23).
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 169/2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64 not out, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35, Ryan Burl 35; Cameroon Green 1/6)
Australia: 146 all out in 19.3 overs (Matt Renshaw 65, Glenn Maxwell 31; Blessing Muzarabani 4/17, Brad Evans 3/23)
