After a long wait of 19 years, Australia was defeated by Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe revived memories from nearly two decades ago by defeating Australia in a Twenty20 clash, replicating their famous triumph in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. On that occasion, Zimbabwe had upset the Aussies by five wickets in a match that still lingers in cricket folklore. On Wednesday, in Cape Town, South Africa, Sikandar Raza’s side produced another historic victory, this time securing a 23-run win over the formidable Australian lineup.

Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 169 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett starred with an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls, anchoring the innings with remarkable composure. Key contributions also came from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who struck a brisk 35 off 21 deliveries, and Ryan Burl, who matched him with 35 runs off 30 balls. Sikandar Raza remained not out on 25 from just 13 deliveries, ensuring Zimbabwe’s innings had the momentum needed for a defendable target.

Zimbabwe Batting Scorecard

Chasing 170, Australia struggled from the outset. Their innings faltered at 106 for 5 when Glenn Maxwell departed, and they were eventually restricted to 146 all out in 19.3 overs, failing to complete their full quota of 20 overs. Only five additional wickets fell for 63 runs after Maxwell’s dismissal, highlighting Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack.

Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, claiming four wickets, while Brad Evans contributed three, giving the visitors a combined haul of seven wickets. The duo’s incisive spells exposed the frailties of the Australian batting lineup, with several key players unable to make substantial contributions under pressure.

Zimbabwe Bowling Figures

The defeat underscored Australia’s vulnerability in the T20 format, as their batsmen failed to respond to tight bowling and strategic field placements. For Zimbabwe, this win represents not just a statistical achievement but a significant morale boost, reviving pride and celebrating their capability to challenge cricket’s traditional heavyweights.

Zimbabwe’s fans, along with cricket pundits, hailed the victory as a testament to resilience, tactical acumen, and the rising prominence of players like Raza, Marumani, and Bennett in the shorter format. After 19 years, Zimbabweans can once again celebrate a landmark win over the Australians—a moment that will be remembered for years to come.