Zimbabwe national cricket team reproduced the memories of the 2007 ICC T20 world cup that saw their country achieve an unprecedented upset against Australia national cricket team by pulling out a dramatic 23-run victory over the latter in their Group B match at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Zimbabwe had to defend 169 with two to go, and delivered an excellent bowling performance to dismiss Australia at 146 and three balls remaining. The charge was led by fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani who contributed with a very hot four-wicket haul and Brad Evans who contributed with three scalps. The duo came early and took out several critical batters such as Josh Inglis, Cameron Green and Tim David with Australia dropping to 29/4. Travis Head also lost his job in an inexpensive manner, dragging one on his stumps.
Zimbabwe continued to maintain their cool, although Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw tried to make a rescue mission when they partnered with 77 runs in the fifth wicket. The momentum was again squarely in the favour of Zimbabwe in the hands of Ryan Burl who hit two crucial overs, sending Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis home. Renshaw struggled on but had no assistance when Evans and Muzarabani came back to finish the game.
Previously, the opener Brian Bennett led the Zimbabwe innings with an unscathed 64 at the right time to be backed by Tadiwanashe Marumani (35), and Ryan Burl (35). Their unions established groundwork to a competitive aggregate.
The victory was the second win in a row Zimbabwe had over Australia in the four match T20Is and it has once again proved their status of offering giant killing performances at the international stage.