Zimbabwe delivered the first major upset of the 2026 T20 World Cup, defeating Australia by 23 runs in a Group B clash in Colombo on Friday. A superb half‑century from Brian Bennett and a career-best 4/17 by Blessing Muzarabani were instrumental in extending Zimbabwe's unbeaten record against Australia in T20 World Cups.
The last time the two teams met in this tournament was in 2007, when Zimbabwe stunned Australia by five wickets in Cape Town. A curious link between both upsets is the presence of the Masakadza brothers — elder brother Hamilton played in 2007, while younger brother Wellington featured in Friday's match.
The defeat has pushed Australia to the brink of an early exit, with the team now in serious danger of being eliminated in the group stage.
To understand Australia's qualification chances for the Super Eight stage, here is the current Group B scenario:
| Group B | |||||
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3.125 |
| Zimbabwe | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1.984 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.100 |
| Ireland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2.175 |
| Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -4.306 |
ALSO READ | Zimbabwe Down Australia — Revisiting Biggest Upsets In T20 World Cup History
Australia are third in Group B as things stand and there are five matches of this group remaining.
- Ireland vs Oman (Feb. 14)
- Sri Lanka vs Australia (Feb. 16)
- Ireland vs Zimbabwe (Feb. 17)
- Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (Feb. 19)
- Australia vs Oman (Feb. 20)
The Ireland against Oman match is inconsequential, as both teams have lost their first two games and are out of contention. That leaves Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia in the race.
Scenario 1: Australia win only one of their remaining two matches
If Australia beat just one of Sri Lanka or Oman, they will finish with four points. In this case, they will need both Ireland and Sri Lanka to defeat Zimbabwe, keeping Zimbabwe at four points as well. The final spot will then be decided by net run rate.
Scenario 2: Australia win both remaining matches
If Australia beat both Sri Lanka and Oman, they will end the group stage with six points. However, qualification is still not guaranteed. If Zimbabwe win one and lose one of their remaining matches, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Sri Lanka will all finish on six points. Once again, net run rate will determine which two teams progress.
Scenario 3: Australia win both matches AND Zimbabwe lose both
This is the clearest path for Australia. If Zimbabwe lose their two remaining games, Australia and Sri Lanka will qualify for the Super Eight.
Things aren't rosy for Australia at the moment!
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.