Zimbabwe upset Australia by defeating them by 23 runs in the 19th match of the T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s pace battery failed to chase down the target of 170 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Australia were bowled out for 146 runs in 19.3 overs. Matthew Renshaw scored 65, Glenn Maxwell scored 31 and captain Travis Head scored 17 runs.

Apart from them, eight other batsmen failed to reach double figures.

Blessing Mazar-e-Azha took 4 for 17 and Brad Evans took 3 for 23 for Zimbabwe.

Blessing Mazar-e-Azha’s 4 for 17 is not only the best figure for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup but also the best bowling figures against any full-member team in T20 International matches.

Blessing Mazar-e-Abani also took his 100th T20 International wicket in this match.

Earlier, Australian captain Travis Head won the toss and invited Zimbabwe to bat first.

Zimbabwe’s openers provided a good start of 61 runs. Marumani was dismissed for 35 runs.

Later, Brian Bennett and Ryan Burrell put on a 70-run partnership for the second wicket. Ryan Burrell was dismissed for 35 runs for a total of 131 runs.

Zimbabwe scored 169 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett scored 64 and captain Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 25 runs.

Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green took one wicket each for Australia.

It should be noted that Australia and Zimbabwe met for the second time in the history of the T20 World Cup today and Australia was defeated both times.

Earlier, in 2007, Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup.