T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe swing hard as Australia hunt early breakthrough

The lights are blazing at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and Group B has just caught fire.

At the roaring R. Premadasa Stadium, Australia won the toss, chose to bowl, and expected to dictate terms.

Zimbabwe had other ideas.

POWERPLAY PUNCH FROM THE UNDERDOGS

After 11.4 overs, Zimbabwe are flying at 97/1, striking at over eight an over and refusing to blink against one of the tournament heavyweights.

The early statement came from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who blasted 35 off 21 before finally falling to Marcus Stoinis – caught behind after living dangerously with a string of streaky boundaries. It was Australia’s first breakthrough at 61/1, but not before Zimbabwe had already laid down a marker.

Then came the calm and the counterpunch.

Brian Bennett has anchored the innings with a composed 35, while Ryan Burl has just ignited the afterburners – cracking back-to-back boundaries off Nathan Ellis, including a thumping pull and a straight drive that screamed intent.

Zimbabwe’s last five overs? 41 runs. This is not survival batting. This is belief.

AUSTRALIA FEELING THE HEAT

Australia came in as favorites, fresh off a commanding 67-run win over Ireland. Their attack, featuring the likes of Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis and Marcus Stoinis, was expected to squeeze the middle overs.

Instead, they’ve burned two reviews already. Twice they went up for caught-behind appeals. Twice UltraEdge said no.

That frustration is starting to show.

The Aussies currently hold a 59 per cent win probability, but that margin is shrinking as Zimbabwe keep finding the gaps.

THE TACTICAL BATTLE

This Colombo surface was expected to slow up. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza predicted it would grip and turn under the sun.

So far? It’s been a batting dance floor.

Zimbabwe’s approach has been fearless:

Taking on Glenn Maxwell’s spin in the Powerplay
Attacking anything short
Running aggressively between the wickets
Refusing to let Australia settle into rhythm

The partnership between Bennett and Burl is already worth 36 runs, and building.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Australia are chasing another global title.

Zimbabwe are chasing something bigger – respect.

An upset here would shake up Group B and send shockwaves through the tournament.

And right now? The underdogs are swinging freely.

With eight overs still to go, Zimbabwe are eyeing a total well north of 170, a score that would put real scoreboard pressure on Australia under lights.

Colombo is loud. Australia are searching. Zimbabwe are daring to dream.

This one is heating up fast!