COLOMBO – Zimbabwe set a competitive 170-run target for Australia in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match, as the Kangaroos slipped to 58/4 during the run chase at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, Australia allowed Zimbabwe to post 169 runs in their allotted overs. Brian Bennett led the Zimbabwe batting effort with an impressive 64-run knock, anchoring the innings and giving his side a fighting total.
In response, Australia’s chase started on a shaky note. Early breakthroughs by Zimbabwe’s bowlers put the pressure on the batting line-up, reducing the former champions to 58 runs for the loss of four wickets, leaving the contest finely balanced.
Historically, Australia and Zimbabwe have faced each other three times in T20 internationals. Australia hold the edge with two wins, while Zimbabwe famously stunned the Kangaroos in the 2007 T20 World Cup in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Australia entered the match with a strong squad led by Mitchell Marsh, featuring key players such as Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa. Zimbabwe, captained by Sikandar Raza, relied on a mix of experience and youth, with Brian Bennett’s performance giving them a crucial boost.
With Australia under pressure and Zimbabwe sensing an opportunity, the match remains wide open as the chase progresses in Colombo.