How can Zimbabwe reach Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Australia?
Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in Colombo.
The history has been repeated, and Zimbabwe have once again found success against Australia at the biggest stage of cricket. On Friday, Zimbabwe faced Australia in Match 19 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sikandar Raza and his men stunned the 2021 champions and recorded a 23-run win.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a fighting total of 169/2 in slow conditions, with Brian Bennett (64* off 56) scoring a fifty. T Marumani (32 off 21), Ryan Burl (35 off 30), and Sikandar Raza (25* off 13) also contributed well.
But was the 170-run target enough against the strong Australian batting lineup? Zimbabwe made this statement true and restricted Australia to 146 all-out in 19.3 overs. It started within the powerplay as Australia lost their top four batters in 4.3 overs.
They had a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket between Matt Renshaw (65 off 44) and Glenn Maxwell (31 off 32). But as the stand was broken, Australia fell like a pack of cards. Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) and Brad Evans (3/23) played key roles in Zimbabwe’s second consecutive win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Here’s how Zimbabwe can qualify for the Super 8 stage
Zimbabwe made a great start to their campaign by defeating Oman by 8 wickets in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Now, with a 23-run win over Australia, Zimbabwe have four points, and are second in Group B with an NRR of +1.984.
Sri Lanka are at the top with four points and an NRR of 3.125. After the defeat, Australia have slipped to the third spot with two points and an NRR of +1.100. Only two teams from each group will qualify for the next round, and a win on Friday has increased Zimbabwe’s chances of reaching the Super 8 round.
The next big game in this group will be on Monday between Sri Lanka and Australia. If Sri Lanka defeat Australia, then Zimbabwe will inch very close to a place in the Super 8 round. But for that to happen, Zimbabwe will also have to win one of their next two matches.
However, if Australia beat Sri Lanka, then Zimbabwe need to ensure that they also beat Sri Lanka in their last group game on February 19.
So, if Sri Lanka beat Australia and Zimbabwe win another match, then they will be virtually through to the Super 8 round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
When will Zimbabwe play their next game in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Zimbabwe will face Ireland in their next game on Tuesday, February 17.
Who is leading the Group B points table of the T20 World Cup 2026?
Sri Lanka are at the top of Group B with four points and an NRR of 3.125.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.