HIGHLIGHTS Australia vs Zimbabwe, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 19 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The camera is panning over Zimbabwe and we can see them forming a huddle. Raza has a few words for his teammates before they scatter to take their fielding positions. Josh Inglis and Travis Head will be the openers for Australia. It's Sikandar Raza who will start with the new ball. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Zimbabwe on top? So, the Aussie batters have a task to chase 170 runs, which is not a very big score, but surely the Chevrons have some serious talent in their bowling lineup. The pitch doesn't really seem to offer much to the bowlers, however, we encountered some swing with the new ball, but after that, there were no movement on the ball. Stay tuned for the second inning to commence.

The final push from Raza and Bennett - Burl managed to find his array of strokes and by the 15th over, Zimbabwe found themselves at a solid 125 for 1. It was evident that the Aussies were intent on tightening their grip on the game. While they didn’t mind the singles and doubles, their bowlers focused on maintaining tight lines and lengths to limit boundary scoring. Green made a crucial impact by claiming a key wicket as he completed Marcus' over, stepping up impressively even after taking a hit to his left hand. Meanwhile, skipper Sikander Raza and Bennett remained resolute, steadily adding to the score and pushing Zimbabwe's total to 169 runs on the board.

From pressure to power - In the opening overs, the Chevrons' openers encountered a daunting challenge, but everything shifted after those first two overs. Marumani unleashed a series of powerful hits, significantly easing the pressure that had been mounting on them. Their remarkable partnership of 61 runs proved to be a game-changer, compelling the Aussies to make four bowling changes in the Powerplay, before Marcus Stoinis ultimately broke through and dismissed Marumani. Yet, in stepped Ryan Burl, who seamlessly took on the mantle, enabling Zimbabwe to forge another resilient partnership.

Just enough with the bat - 169 runs on the board is not a bad score from Zimbabwe, but surely skipper Sikandar Raza would have liked to add 10 or 20 runs more to the total as they had eight wickets left in hand. On the other hand, it was not the best of the days for the Aussies' bowling unit. They have only picked up 2 wickets in the entire first inning, and they were not very economical either.

Nathan Ellis to Sikandar Raza, SIX! TONK! Ellis misses his yorker and bowls a full toss down the leg side. Sikandar Raza gets down and just laps it casually over deep backward square leg, with the ball going all the way! ZIMBABWE END ON 169/2!

Nathan Ellis to Sikandar Raza, A short ball, around off, Sikandar Raza heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Another slower ball, into the wicket, from around the wicket. Brian pulls it through mid on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Excellent slower ball again. Brian backs away to the leg side and gets a ball wide outside off. He tries to reach out but cannot connect.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Slower ball, 126.2 kph, into the wicket, outside off. Bennett leaps and slaps the pull over the bowler towards long off. Two runs taken.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Slower ball, on a length, outside off, Brian Bennett gets across and looks to scoop but misses. The ball goes past the off stump.

Nathan Ellis will bowl the 20th over. 3-0-23-0 so far.

Adam Zampa to Sikandar Raza, A touch short, on middle, Sikandar goes back and works it through mid-wicket. Glenn Maxwell charges in from the deep but cannot stop the second run. 4-0-31-0 for Zampa, and Zimbabwe have efficiently nullified Australia's most experienced and best bowler with ease.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Full, around middle, Brian heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Sikandar Raza, IN THE AIR... SAFE! Excellent bowling. Zampa tosses this nicely around middle, but gives no pace whatsoever. Raza gets down and goes for an almighty swing but only manages a top edge. It goes high in the air but Cameron Green coming in from long off cannot get there. A single taken.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Very full, on middle and leg, Brian Bennett gets down and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket where Glenn Maxwell keeps the batters to a run.

Adam Zampa to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, outside off, pretty slow, Sikandar Raza waits for the ball and then thumps it towards long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Sikandar Raza, Full, around off, swept through square leg for a couple.

Ellis for the 19th or 20th? The latter. Head is forced to go with Adam Zampa in the 19th over. 3-0-23-0 so far.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Salt on the wound. A short ball, from over the wicket, angling away, Bennett stays deep in his crease and slaps it over mid off! 15 from the over and Dwarshuis finishes with figures of 4-0-40-0! Also, the 150 IS UP FOR ZIMBABWE!

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, DROPPED! Should have been taken. A short ball, outside off, Brian Bennett looks to pull but miscues it. Matthew Kuhnemann is stationed at deep mid-wicket but does not pick the trajectory of the ball. He starts to run to his left, before realizing late that he has to run forward. That delay costs him, as he does get to the ball with a dive but cannot hold on. Two runs taken.

Ben Dwarshuis to Sikandar Raza, Slower ball again, short in length this time, the skipper goes back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! THWACK! Second boundary of the over! Slower ball, around 105 kph, but Raza spots it. Waits for it to come and it arrives right in his arc. In the slot, half volley outside off and he blasts it over cover for a boundary.

Ben Dwarshuis to Sikandar Raza, Slower ball, on a length, around off, coming in with the angle, Raza swings with all his might, ending up nearly on his back, only to miss. Lost his shape there.

Ben Dwarshuis to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Poor return for Dwarshuis. From around the wicket, bowling it short, sliding it down the leg side with fine leg up. Sikandar Raza uses all the help and guides it deftly with a glance, to the right of short fine leg, to start the over with a boundary.

Adam Zampa to bowl out? Nope. Ben Dwarshuis has been given the 18th over! 3-0-25-0 so far.

Nathan Ellis to Sikandar Raza, Full and around off, Sikandar drives it to the right of cover and gets a single. Excellent over from Ellis, just the 4 singles from it.

Nathan Ellis to Sikandar Raza, On a length, pretty straight, angling down the leg side, Raza looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit on the pads.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Well bowled again, around the wide blockhole, outside off, Brian can only get it towards long on for one.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Full and wide outside off, Bennett looks to reach out to stab it through the off side but misses.

Nathan Ellis to Sikandar Raza, On a length, outside off, Sikandar Raza punches it through point for a run.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Full and wide outside off, Brian Bennett slaps it through the covers for a single.

Time for the big hitters to arrive. Skipper Sikandar Raza walks in next, at number 4, replacing Ryan Burl. Nathan Ellis returns as well. 2-0-19-0 so far.

Cameron Green to Ryan Burl, OUT! CAUGHT! Green comes as a red signal for Burl. A short ball, around off, Ryan Burl goes for the pull but the lack of pace does him in. He plays early and as a result, gets only a top edge. It goes straight up in the air, behind the keeper. Substitute Xavier Bartlett, who is on for Stoinis, gets across to his right from short third and takes it in front of the keeper who was running back for the catch as well. The 70-run stand has been broken but Burl has done his job.

The physio has been signalled for by Stoinis. He is in immense pain. In fact, Stoinis is going off the field. The injury woes for the Aussies continue. Now, they lose a bowler and a batter. Cameron Green will bowl the pending delivery. 1-0-6-0 so far.

Marcus Stoinis to Ryan Burl, DROPPED! But has Stoinis injured himself? A full toss, outside off, Burl hammers this straight back to the bowler who tries to catch it near his abdomen, but the ball hits his left palm and drops down. Stoinis immediately clutches his left hand in pain.

Marcus Stoinis to Ryan Burl, FOUR! THUNDEROUS! Serious power. Full and outside off, from around the wicket, Ryan Burl sets himself in the crease and with a steady head, drills it back over the bowler, for a boundary down the ground. The stand moves to 70 (49).

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, A low full toss outside off, swinging away, Bennett reaches out and drives it to sweeper cover for a run.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, Excellent yorker, following the batter down the leg side. Brian Bennett tries to dig it out but is nutmegged.

Marcus Stoinis to Ryan Burl, On middle and leg, coming in, Ryan Burl looks to heave but gets it off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for a single.

5 overs left in the innings. Ellis has 2, Dwarshuis has 1 and Zampa has 1. Who will bowl the other? Marcus Stoinis has been given the ball. 2-0-11-1 so far.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for one.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, 50 FOR BRIAN BENNETT. His maiden T20 World Cup half century, that too, against Australia. Has taken 43 balls, but it is a moment to saviour. Gets there with a gentle nudge through mid on for a single.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Nicely played. Fractionally short, around off, spinning away, Brian Bennett goes back and with good use of his wrists, guides the ball through point for a boundary. The stand moves to 62 (43).

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, Full and down the leg side, Ryan leans and clips it through mid-wicket. They take the single and Burl turns blind for the second but is sent back.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, Very full, around middle and off, Burl digs it out back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, Short, around middle, Ryan Burl works it towards short mid-wicket.

DRINKS BREAK. Zimbabwe have upped the ante here. The last 3 overs have gone for 31 runs and clearly, the intent is there to get as close to 200 as possible. The pitch does look very good to bat on, but Australia's honest assessment of their bowling would be average. The lines and lengths have just not been consistent and everyone has struggled to adapt on this surface. It might look a flat deck right now, but with the sun beating down hard, it could get very slow as the game progresses and then, we will go back to that call at the toss to bowl first. Adam Zampa returns. 2-0-16-0 so far.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Outside off, Brian punches it through the covers. A usually fit Tim David would have dived to his left to stop the ball but given that he has just returned from an injury, he chooses not to dive and the ball goes through. By the time sweeper can mop it up to his right, two runs are taken. 12 from the over!

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Burl, Very full, around off, tailing in a touch, Ryan works it towards long on for one.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Burl, WIDE. A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Burl goes for the hook but misses. The square leg umpire reckons that it went over the head of the batter. Yes, the replay confirms.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Another long hop, around off, angling away, Brian goes back and drags the pull towards wide long on for a run.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Dropped short, around off, Bennett goes for the pull but is done in by the slower ball. Miscues it over mid-wicket but there is no one there. The ball lands safely and the batters return for the second.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, FOUR! 50-RUN STAND UP, IN 35 BALLS! Full and outside off, angling away, Brian Bennett keeps his head still and smashes it over mid off for a boundary. Moves to 40 (38) with his 5th four.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Burl, Full and down the leg side, slower in pace, delivered from the back of the hand, Ryan Burl tickles it towards long leg for a single.

Should be another bowling change. Ellis usually bowls 2 at the death. Yes. Ben Dwarshuis is back on. 2-0-13-0 so far. Suspect he will bowl only this over before coming back on in the 19th or the 20th over.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, On middle and leg, Ryan works it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Full, around middle and leg, Ryan Burl brings out the reverse and scoops it over backward point for a boundary!

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run. The stand moves to 40 (30).

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, Full and down the leg side, Burl whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 UP FOR ZIMBABWE. 46 balls left. The projected score is 180 but if you go by David 'Bumble' Lloyd's philosophy of doubling the score at the 60 percent mark, with wickets in hand, 200 is on.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, Slower through the air, shorter outside off, Ryan Burl looks to slap it away but misses.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Full and straight, Brian Bennett is a bit late in getting his bat down. Manages to defend it awkwardly to the bowler who leaps to his right to stop but misses. However, mid off mops it up. 12 from the over!

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, Overpitched, outside off, Ryan drives it through the covers for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, WIDE. Full and wide outside off, left alone. Ellis is not too happy with that call, but it did look to be a wide to the naked eye. Yes, the replay confirms that Ellis' reaction is just a cause of frustration. Clearly going past the wide guideline.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Second boundary of the over. And this is a supreme insult to a fast bowler. Hit back to where it came from. Full, around off, with mid off up, Ryan Burl reaches out and slaps it straight back over the bowler for a boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, Fuller, outside off, Ryan looks to drive but mistimes it towards cover.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, FOUR! THUMP! Bad line. Ellis changes the field on the off side, getting an extra fielder there, but then bowls it short and straight, around leg stump. It is an off cutter but Burl picks the change in pace, swivels and pulls it all along the ground to the deep square leg fence. The stand moves to 32 (23).

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Burl, A touch short to start, on middle, angling away. Ryan Burl punches it through the covers for a couple.

Another change. Nathan Ellis returns. 1-0-7-0 so far.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, Fuller, on leg, Ryan Burl clips it to mid-wicket for a single. 8 runs coming from the over!

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Fuller, angling it wide across the stumps. Brian Bennett sits down on one knee and predetermines to slog sweep it, but the ball is way away from his range. However, he extends his arm but only manages to get the toe end of his willow. The ball flies flat and drops much short of the long on fielder. Single taken.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, Full, on middle, Ryan Burl flicks it away to deep mid-wicket and gets a comfortable single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, Short, on middle, Ryan Burl nudges it with soft hands to the vacant mid-wicket for a brace.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Ryan Burl, A touch shorter, outside off, Ryan Burl slices it to the right of the deep cover-point fielder. Burl runs hard for the first one and gets a second in time.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Short, on middle, Brian Bennett nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Halfway mark reached. 79/1 is a good score by Zimbabwe, but the Aussies have pulled things back a touch, going for 22 runs in the last 3 overs. Matthew Kuhnemann is back on. 1-0-9-0 so far.

Cameron Green to Ryan Burl, Australia exhaust both their reviews in 10 overs. Josh Inglis is looking totally embarassed out there. Two reviews for caught behind, both initiated by him, both unsuccessful. A short ball, down the leg side, Ryan Burl went for the pull, but missed. There was a noise and a deviation, as Inglis dived to his right to collect. He straightaway went up and judging his reaction, it was as if, how could you not give that out? Head went with his keeper again and signalled for the review. Even before UltraEdge can load up, the replay is evident enough that the ball was nowhere close to the ball. Technology confirms that the spike is coming when the ball is near the pad. No more help from technology for the Aussies in this innings now.

Another review by Australia for a caught behind. There was another noise down the leg side and once again, Inglis is confident. Oh dear, don't even bother for the UltraEdge.

Cameron Green to Brian Bennett, Short and wide outside off, Brian slaps it through point for one.

Cameron Green to Brian Bennett, WIDE. Excellent work by the keeper there. A short ball, outside off, Bennett goes for the pull but the ball is way too short and goes way above his head. It keeps on rising and Josh Inglis, given his height, has to leap double extra to try and stop that. Manages to get a glove on that to parry it towards fine leg, restricting the batters to two byes. So that's a wide plus two byes, meaning three wides to the total.

Cameron Green to Ryan Burl, A short ball, down the leg side, Burl gets inside the line and pulls it towards fine leg for a run.

Cameron Green to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, outside off, Bennett slaps it through point for a single.

Cameron Green to Brian Bennett, CAUGHT BEHIND? No appeal. Maybe, my ears are ringing, but I certainly heard a noise. On a length, around off, Brian Bennett moves to the leg side and tries to dab it towards deep third but misses. That ball was very close to the outside edge.

Cameron Green to Ryan Burl, On a length, around off, coming in from around the wicket. Ryan Burl goes for the pull but misses. The ball lobs off his thigh pads towards square leg and the batters pinch a leg bye.

Will the one-over spells continue? Indeed. Here comes bowler number 7. Cameron Green.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Short, outside off, Brian Bennett punches it to deep backward point and gets a couple of runs.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Short again, on off, Brian Bennett looks to pull but gets the inside edge and hits his own pad.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, Short, down the leg side, Ryan Burl clips it to deep square leg for one.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Burl, Appeal for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved! Fuller, on middle, Ryan Burl looks to offer a switch hit, but under edges the ball and wears it on his pad.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Flat and fuller, on off, Brian Bennett works it across the line through mid-wicket and gets a single.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Full-length delivery, on off, Brian Bennett tucks it to the vacant mid-wicket region. Two is the shout from the batter and they get it.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, Excellent yorker, around leg stump. Bennett stumbles over as he looks to flick and gets hit on the left boot. The ball dribbles to the leg side and a leg bye is taken. A wicket and 9 runs from the over, Marcus Stoinis' bowling figures read 2-0-11-1 so far.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, WIDE. A bouncer, but down the leg side. Left alone.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, On a length, around off, worked through square leg for a couple.

Marcus Stoinis to Ryan Burl, A short ball, around middle, Ryan Burl swivels for the pull but gets done in by the bounce. However, he does well to roll his wrists over the ball and pulls it through square leg for a single.

The openers have laid down a platform. Time for the middle order to make use of it. Ryan Burl has been promoted to number 3, to keep the attack going, replacing Tadiwanashe Marumani. It could also be to continue the left-right combination. Burl usually bats at 5 or 6.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Finally. Australia have a wicket and it is the 50TH WICKET IN T20IS FOR STOINIS. Similar ball to the previous one. On a length, around middle and leg, angling away, once again Marumani repeats the mistake of cutting too close to the ball. Gets another outside edge and this time, it goes closer to the keeper with Josh Inglis clasping it easily to his left. The 61-RUN STAND has been broken.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, EDGED, FOUR! The rub of the green going Zimbabwe's way. On a length, outside off, angling away, Marumani looks to cut but is too close to the ball. Gets a thick outside edge which flies behind, but evades the diving keeper to his left, through the vacant first slip region to the deep third fence.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Full and around off, Tadiwanashe Marumani looks to hit this hard, but mistimes it. Goes on the bounce back to the bowler, to his right.

Head has been trying to keep on changing his bowlers. But it has not helped his team so far. Marcus Stoinis returns. 1-0-3-0 so far.

Adam Zampa to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Fuller, on leg, Tadiwanashe Marumani sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.

Adam Zampa to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Googly, short, just outside off, Tadiwanashe Marumani defends the inside line of the delivery.

Adam Zampa to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Excellent shot! A tad fuller, on leg, Tadiwanashe Marumani gets down on one knee and sweeps it toward the right of the short fine leg fielder, absolutely giving no chance to field it. The ball races away to the deep fine leg fence for another boundary.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Short, outside off, Brian Bennett cuts it to deep point for one.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, FOUR! That will bring up 50 for Zimbabwe! Tossed up, with some flight, outside off, Brian Bennett drives it crisply toward the left of the cover fielder for four runs.

Adam Zampa to Brian Bennett, Flat and fuller, on off, Brian Bennett drives it to cover.

DRINKS BREAK. Magnificent start by Zimbabwe. To hammer 8 boundaries in 6 overs and that too, stay wicketless is a terrific start for a clash. And if we say that the first boundary came on the 14th ball, it means that those 8 fours have come in the span of 19 balls. That's less than a boundary every 3 balls. Outstanding. Too early to say that Australia look rattled but they have not quite adapted to this pitch yet. The lengths have been pretty inconsistent and with boundaries leaking, and singles also being conceded, they have not been able to put a lid on proceedings. Here's a guy who might have a say on that - Adam Zampa.

Nathan Ellis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Another slower ball, short in length, outside off, angling away, Tadiwanashe goes for the pull but misses. 7 from the over and Zimbabwe end their Powerplay on 47/0!

Nathan Ellis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, In the air... but lands safely! Back of a length, just outside off, Tadiwanashe Marumani attempts to pull it, but miscues his shot. The ball loops high to the deep square leg region. Matt Renshaw is the fielder in the region, but he has been placed way too fine. He runs to his right, but fails to get there in time. Two runs taken.

Nathan Ellis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, There's that slower ball - 113.8 kph. Well negotiated in the end, as Marumani comes forward and angles this fuller delivery from off stump towards short third.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, Short of a length, on middle, Brian Bennett pulls it to deep square leg for a comfortable single.

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, FOUR! THRASH! Boy, are Zimbabwe off to a flier or what? On a length, outside off, angling away, Brian Bennett stands tall and hammers it between cover and mid off for the 8th boundary of the Powerplay!

Nathan Ellis to Brian Bennett, On a good length, angling down the leg side, Brian Bennett misses his flick. The umpire remains unmoved and doesn't signal a wide.

4 bowlers in 5 overs. Here comes the 5th. Nathan Ellis will bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Full, outside off, 92.1 kph, Bennett gets down and mows the sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, FOUR! More runs for the Chevrons! A touch shorter, just outside off. Brian Bennett squats a bit, bends his back leg and slogs it over the mid-wicket region to get another boundary.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Very slow, short in length outside off, hint of away turn. Brian Bennett reaches out to cut but toe-ends it towards cover.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Full toss, outside off, Brian Bennett drives it to cover.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, Landed outside off, short in length, Bennett gets across and pulls it towards short fine leg. Kuhnemann took off the pace there.

Matthew Kuhnemann to Brian Bennett, FOUR! What a shot that is! Kuhnemann jogs from around the wicket and bowls it on a good length, outside off, Brian Bennett stands tall and punches it uppishly, over the mid on fielder for four runs.

Australia under the pump now. Spin from both ends. Here's Matthew Kuhnemann.

Glenn Maxwell to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Full and outside off, Tadiwanashe drives it straight to cover. 14 from the over!

Glenn Maxwell to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up, fuller, around the pads of the batter. Tadiwanashe Marumani sweeps it up and over the square leg region to get his fifth boundary of the inning.

Glenn Maxwell to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Maxi is being taken on here! Another reverse sweep, another boundary. Full, around leg stump, going down with the angle, Marumani brings out the reverse again and whips it over cover this time, for the second boundary of the over!

Glenn Maxwell to Brian Bennett, On a length, outside leg, Brian Bennett nudges it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Full and straight, from around the wicket, Tadiwanashe Marumani drives it towards mid on for a quick single. Excellent running.

Glenn Maxwell to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! That is a predetermined shot! You need some heart to take on a bowler like Glenn Maxwell on the very first delivery. Tossed up, fuller, just outside off, Tadiwanashe Marumani reverse sweeps it over the point region and gets four more runs.

Ellis time? Nope. Spin time. Glenn Maxwell has been given the ball now.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Interesting. On a length, around middle, Brian Bennett gets across and looks to play the paddle but misses.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, angling across the right-handed batter, Brian Bennett slaps it from the toe end of his bat to the left of the mid off fielder. Marumani sets off to take the single, but Brian rejects the call and sends his partner back.

Ben Dwarshuis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Very full, around off, swinging in, Marumani works it behind square leg for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries from Marumani! On a length, on middle, angling in. Tadiwanashe Marumani opens his stance and swipes it hard through the square leg region for another boundary.

Ben Dwarshuis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Beautifully timed and placed and Zimbabwe get their first boundary of the match. Slightly short of a length, outside off, moving away, Tadiwanashe Marumani, with good extension of his arms, punches it in the gap between cover and point.

Ben Dwarshuis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Swings and a miss! Ben Dwarshuis pitches it hard on the length, around the seventh stump, and swings it away from the left-hander. Tadiwanashe Marumani gives a wild swing at it, but the ball beats the outside edge of the willow.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, On a length, around off, Brian Bennett mistimes his pull towards mid on.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, Fullish, on middle, angling in, but swings it a bit away, which straightens the delivery. Brian Bennett plants his front foot toward the leg side, thinking to nudge it, but as he sees the delivery coming straight, he ends up pushing it back to the bowler.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, TOP EDGE, SAFE! First use of the bouncer. It is around head height, going away with the angle from leg to off, Tadiwanashe Marumani looks to hook but the ball goes off the top edge. Ben Dwarshuis starts to run to his right from deep fine leg but the ball lands well in front. A single taken.

Marcus Stoinis to Brian Bennett, On a length, angling in, down the leg side. Brian Bennett misses his flick and wears it on his pad. The ball rolls futher to the leg side and the batter has enough time to get a leg bye.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, On a length, outside off, cut through point for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, On a length, just outside off, Tadiwanashe Marumani cuts it but straight to the cover fielder.

Marcus Stoinis to Tadiwanashe Marumani, WIDE! A lot of swing from Stoinis. Full-length delivery, pitching on middle and swinging it away, down the leg side. Tadiwanashe Marumani tries to flick it but misses.

Not much movement in that opening over, but still, a decent start from Dwarshuis. Interesting. Marcus Stoinis has been given the share of the new ball.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Beaten neck and crop. Fine way to end the over. On a length, outside off, Brian looks to defend but the ball shapes back in a long way and cuts him into half, going past the inside edge and just over the stumps.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Full-length delivery, angling wide outside off. Brian Bennett crouches and extends his hands to punch it through cover, but gets the connection from the outer half of the willow. The ball flies well over the cover region. The fielder tracks back and cuts it to two runs.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Excellent decision from Chris Gaffaney and Australia lose a review early. A touch short, down the leg side, Brian Bennett looked to help it around the corner, but missed. There was a noise as the ball went past and the keeper, Josh Inglis, collected and went up in celebration. The Aussies started to appeal but umpire Gaffaney did not raise his finger. Inglis was very confident and based on his confidence alone, skipper Travis Head signalld for the review. The replay loads up and seeing that itself, the Aussies get back to their fielding positions. UltraEdge comes up and detects a flat line when the ball is near the bat, but comes up when it is near the thigh pad.

There is a noise and there is an appeal. The umpire is motionless and the keeper, Josh Inglis has convinced Travis Head to take the review for a caught behind! The replay seems to indicate the thigh pad. In fact, the Aussies are not even waiting for the UltraEdge. They are back to their positions.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe are underway! Fuller now, around the pads of the batter, Brian Bennett flicks it to the left of the deep fine leg fielder and gets a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, On a length, outside off, 136.1 kph, angling away, Bennett slashes again, but misses this time.

Ben Dwarshuis to Brian Bennett, Action right away! Ben Dwarshuis scoots from over the wicket and bowls back of a length, just outside off, angling away. Brian Bennett opens the face of his bat and punches it toward the left of the point fielder but the fielder does well to dive and make a stop. Dear me - that is Matthew Kuhnemann. What on earth is he doing at point? Australia literally have lack of stocks it seems.

Right then. The national anthems are done and we are ready for the day and contest to begin. The Aussies get into a huddle and right beside them, the Zimbabwean openers stride out ahead. Now, the Aussies disperse. It will be Ben Dwarshuis to start things off. The two openers for the batting side are Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Bennett to face. Here we go!

The National Anthems - The match officials and the two teams walk out to the middle for the national anthems of the two teams. It will be Zimbabwe's first, followed by that of Australia's.

Taylor ruled out - Big blow to Zimbabwe, not only for this match, but for the rest of the competition, with Taylor ruled out. As far Australia are concerned, leaving Connolly out is a big call. His left-arm spin would have been more than a handful on this surface. Feel a touch unlucky for Bartlett as well, as he has a knack of picking up wickets.

Need to be a touch fuller - The captain of Zimbabwe, SIKANDAR RAZA, says that the wicket is pretty good at the start. But adds that with the sun coming out, it could break up and bring the spinners into play, which is perfect for his side. On the change in lengths from their previous venue at the SSC, Raza reckons that on this surface, ideally the bowlers need to be a touch fuller. Explains that if they bowl shorter than that, it could become a nice length for the batters. On Zimbabwe being unbeaten against Australia in T20 World Cups, Sikandar smiles and says that Zimbabwe don't get a lot of bilateral series against them, so they try and make the most of whatever opportunites they get. On the changes for his side. SR informs that they have got two changes, detailing that unfortunately Brendan Taylor is ruled out of the competition after hurting himself in the first game against Oman. Adds that the other change is Richard Ngarava, who is resting more as a precautionary measure. Further says that his second scan has come positive, which is good news. Sikandar Raza ends by saying that the two replacements are Tony Munyonga and Graeme Cremer.

We are relaxed - The skipper of Australia, TRAVIS HEAD, is not too worried about the injury concerns in the camp. Replies that the team's relaxed, saying they're used to a bit of chaos early in competitions like this. Head describes the team as calm and in a good space, having experienced similar situations before. On the challenge for this match, Travis says that he's confident, citing their strong performance the other day against Ireland, and says the challenge now is to back it up with another solid showing. He also says that it's about dealing with the conditions, and he thinks his team is doing that really well. Details that they aimed to keep pressure on the run rate, approaching the game differently than usual due to the conditions. He explains that it was about assessing the conditions, adapting, and then executing well.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Tim David (IN FOR COOPER CONNOLLY), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Ben Dwarshuis (IN FOR XAVIER BARTLETT), Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga (IN FOR BRENDAN TAYLOR), Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer (IN FOR RICHARD NGARAVA) and Blessing Muzarabani.

TOSS time - It is nearly time for the flip of the coin. We are just awaiting to see who will walk out for Australia. In all likelihood, it will be Travis Head again, but awaiting confirmation. Yes, it is Head who is standing alongside Sikandar Raza  - the two captains for the game. Head will toss, while Raza will call. TAILS is the call but it is a Head. And Head whose first name is Travis CHOOSES TO BOWL! Wow. After all the talk about pitch slowing down and all, Australia come up with a strategy of their own.

Another triple header day - We are not too far from the toss. Just a reminder about the games to be played today. It is Day 7 of the Men's T20 World Cup, featuring another triple header. While you are in the matchcentre of Australia vs Zimbabwe, from 9.30 am GMT, Canada will take on the United Arab Emirates in Delhi. And then, from 1.30 pm GMT, the USA will meet the Netherlands in Chennai. The team names may not be those featuring in the top 8, barring Australia, but let's hope we get a good round of cricketing action heading into the bumper weekend.

PITCH REPORT - Natalie Germanos takes a look at the ground dimensions. Informs that down the ground, the distance is 84 metres while the side boundaries are shorter but equally spaced at 74 and 75. Former World Cup champion from Pakistan, WASIM AKRAM, has a look at the deck. Akram says that straightaway, it looks very dry. Calls it a typical Premadasa pitch. Adds that there is some grass visible, but it is slightly rolled in. Observes some spike marks and predicts that the ball will turn, while the back-of-a-length deliveries will be critical for seamers. Reckons that batting will be difficult for the batters and there will be low bounce as well. Ends by saying that the ball will skid on a lot more as well.

Pace show - part 2 or a chance for Cremer? Another experienced member of the Zimbabwean squad after Brendan Taylor, is Graeme Cremer. Aged 39, this is just the third T20 World up for the senior leggie but he has been in the circuit for as long as 18 years! He made his debut as early as 2008 but was away from cricket totally for around 6 years since 2018. However, he has found a new lease since 2025 and here he is, picked in Asian conditions. Given his crafty skills, which saw him take a 2-wicket haul at this very same venue against the Netherlands in the warmups, and also Australia's perennial struggles against spin, could he get a look in for this game? Having said that, after an excellent show against Oman by the seamers, will Zimbabwe want to break that combination? Wow. For a reader just following this match by the names, there might just be a thought creeping in - hey fellas, have you like, switched the team names by mistake? What a wonderful camp to be in, if you are a Zimbabwe fan.

Hello Kangaroos, we meet again (not) - We mentioned about Brendan Taylor playing a key role in Zimbabwe defeating Australia in their very first meeting in T20Is, which was in the 2007 World Cup. However, nearly 18-and-a-half years post that historic clash, Taylor, the only player still to feature in international cricket from the playing XIs of both sides may not get a chance to show his exploits again. In Zimbabwe's opening fixture against Oman, Taylor hobbled off the field, retiring hurt, possibly tweaking something in his hamstring while running between the wickets during batting. Clive Madande is the only other keeper batter in the squad, so logically, he could be the only replacement.

Marsh unlikely, but David? Talking about the injury woes in the Australian camp, it seems very un-Australian. Usually, they are very upbeat and open about their team news, announcing playing XIs in advance, but so far, they have been very quiet about it. We are into their second game but still have no knowledge about the fitness of either of Mitchell Marsh or Tim David. Also, the news of Steve Smith coming in as a cover for Marsh is equally astounding. Could it mean that Marsh's injury is so serious that his tournament could get over even before it started? Given that the Aussies played a game with just a day's break in between, it is highly unlikely that skipper Marsh would be fit for this encounter. Another headache for the selectors is, should David be fit, he will walk straightaway into the playing XI. But whom does he replace? The tall Matt Renshaw, who played cautiously but provided stability against Ireland? Or Cooper Connolly, whose stocks are rapidly rising like the stock market? Or psst psst... could Cameron Green's spot be in danger too? But that's IF David is fit. Where is he though, away from all the noise?

Stats in Zimbabwe's favour! Add a couple of more factors to the previous para - 1. The only time Australia and Zimbabwe have faced each other in T20 World Cups before today was in 2007 - A Brendan Taylor special handed them a shocking defeat in Cape Town. 2. Zimbabwe are coming into this clash on the back of 2 wins in their last 4 T20Is - Australia have won just 1 of their last 6 completed matches. 3. Given that Sri Lanka are also in this group, let's add some more spice informing you that the Rhodesians have defeated the Islanders twice in their last 4 meetings. So dear all, should only Group D consisting of New Zealand, South Africa and Afghanistan be called as the group of death? The Aussies play Sri Lanka next in Pallekele, where the Kangaroos have lost thrice in 4 encounters. You never know, in the span of 3-4 days, Australia could be in a precarious position!

Life without 'THE BIG THREE' - If this contest had come up around say 3 months back, we would have put it down as a one-sided encounter with Australia all set to blast Zimbabwe out of their way with both bat and ball. However, come February 2026, the 2021 champions are without ANY of their big three in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. With the bat, there is a huge cloud hanging over the fitness of skipper Mitchell Marsh and Tim David. Boy o boy, all of a sudden, we are now talking about a depleted Australia against a very competent-looking Zimbabwe. Definitely does not look like a one-sided contest. At least not the way it would have been perceived if not for the injuries.

... MATCH DAY ...

Match intro - The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is already delivering drama, and Match 19 features a fascinating clash in Group B. Powerhouse Australia, despite being plagued by injuries to their core pace attack, take on a rejuvenated Zimbabwe side that has already shown they aren't here just to make up the numbers. Set against the humid, spin-friendly backdrop of Colombo, this match is a critical juncture for both teams as they eye a spot in the Super 8s. Australia's squad depth - Australia enter this match in an uncharacteristically vulnerable state. With frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the tournament and Mitchell Starc retired from the format, the 'Big Three' era seems to be over in the shortest format of international cricket. Adding to their woes, captain Mitchell Marsh is nursing a groin injury, leaving the captaincy and the opening slot in the hands of Travis Head. However, in their previous match against Ireland, the Aussies showed their might in terms of the talent pool they have. Nathan Ellis, who has been knocking on the door for quite a while now, was able to show his full range with the ball and picked up a four-fer as well and so did their premier spinner Adam Zampa. There were some sparks with the bat as well but with the batting stocks depleting and the injury list rising, Steve Smith has been called in as an injury cover, though he is not officially a part of the squad yet. Zimbabwe's perfect start - Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are riding high on confidence. They dismantled Oman by 8 wickets in their opener, with veteran Brendan Taylor returning to the fold to provide stability alongside the irrepressible Sikandar Raza. Zimbabwe famously upset Australia in the 2007 edition, and on a turning Colombo deck, they’ll believe lightning can strike twice. Someone like Blessing Muzarabani is a unique threat. Standing at over 6'6, he extracts awkward bounce that can trouble even the most aggressive openers. He is usually well supported by Richard Ngarava up top and if the duo can get early wickets, the spinners can then come in and put some pressure on the Australian middle order. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - AUS - WLLLL | ZIM - WLLWL. What to expect? The R. Premadasa Stadium is a traditional subcontinental wicket. Historically, it favors the chasing side, but as the game progresses, the surface tends to grip and turn. While Australia have the pedigree, Zimbabwe have the momentum and the conditions. Australia’s slightly inexperienced pace attack will have to be perfect to avoid being picked apart by Zimbabwe’s seasoned middle order. However, Australia remain the favourite due to their depth, but expect a much closer contest than what the rankings might suggest.