Australia's T20 World Cup campaign is on the brink of collapse after a stunning 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe in Colombo. Chasing 170 for victory, Australia slumped to 29 for 4 inside the powerplay, handing Zimbabwe, ranked 11th in the ICC T20I standings, a famous victory.
Glenn Maxwell (31 off 32 balls) and Matthew Renshaw (65 off 44 balls) led the recovery with a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, Maxwell chopped on, and Marcus Stoinis (6) holed out, leaving Australia dismissed for 146 with three balls remaining. This was Australia's first T20I loss to Zimbabwe since 2007.
The defeat leaves Australia's progression to the Super Eight phase in serious doubt. They must now beat co-host Sri Lanka in their next match on Tuesday in Kandy, and even then, net run rate may decide their fate. The early collapse saw Josh Inglis (8) caught off Blessing Muzarabani, while Cameron Green and Tim David both fell for ducks, leaving Australia 25 for 3.
Captain Travis Head (17) chopped on, marking only the second time Australia lost four wickets inside the powerplay at a T20 World Cup. Renshaw's half-century, his first in T20Is, gave Australia hope, but his dismissal in the penultimate over left the bowlers needing 31 from eight balls.
Zimbabwe, missing vice-captain Brendan Taylor and with captain Sikandar Raza battling cramps, were led by 22-year-old opener Brian Bennett (64 not out). Australia's bowlers struggled, with Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa going wicketless. Tony Munyonga's superb catch to dismiss Ben Dwarshuis was a highlight of Zimbabwe's fielding effort.
