Colombo, Feb 13 (NationPress) Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Zimbabwe's remarkable "statement win" in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, as they stunned Australia by 23 runs. A phenomenal display of fast bowling from pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, who claimed four and three wickets respectively, enabled Zimbabwe to dismiss Australia for 146 runs in 19.3 overs, achieving their second victory at the R Premadasa Stadium.

“This is truly a statement win for Zimbabwe! Overcoming Australia by 23 runs requires significant resolve. And of course, Blessing was indeed a blessing, with an outstanding 4-wicket haul. This tournament is shaping up to be incredibly thrilling!” Tendulkar expressed on X.

Matt Renshaw stood out as the sole performer for the 2021 T20 WC champions, as his courageous innings of 65 runs fell short against Zimbabwe, marking their second win in T20 World Cup history over Australia, a feat they first achieved in the inaugural 2007 World Cup.

In pursuit of a challenging target, Australia suffered a calamitous start as Zimbabwe's bowlers dismantled the top order, leveraging the swing conditions at the venue.

Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s crisis man, rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Initially slow, he forged a 77-run partnership with Renshaw, who aggressively targeted the bowlers, while Maxwell focused on singles and doubles early in his innings.

Praising Zimbabwe's exceptional fielding, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin commented, “Zimbabwe has been clinical. Their batting and bowling have been impressive, but Tony Munyonga’s fielding has intensified the pressure. He saved at least 12-15 runs and concluded with a spectacular catch at deep mid-wicket. When the grounds are appropriately sized, cricketing skills shine through, allowing all aspects of the game to flourish. I truly appreciate the balanced pitches in this T20 World Cup. #T20WorldCup2026,” Ashwin noted.

Earlier, propelled by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64, Zimbabwe scored 169/2 in their 20 overs against Australia. They began strongly, with openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani dominating the Australian bowlers. This duo navigated the seam well early on, creating a 61-run opening partnership.

Australia finally struck in the 8th over when Marumani fell to Marcus Stoinis after scoring 35 runs off 21 balls, including seven boundaries.

Despite the breakthrough, Zimbabwe’s innings continued to flourish as Bennett maintained control, aided by Ryan Burl, who departed on the last ball of the 16th over after contributing 35 runs off 30 balls. The pair combined for 70 runs, applying pressure on the opposition.

Bennett's aggressive approach saw him complete his half-century off 43 balls, finishing with an unbeaten 64 runs off 56 deliveries, leading Zimbabwe to a formidable total.