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Brian Bennett's Unbeaten 64 Powers Zimbabwe to 169/2 vs Australia in T20 WC

Brian Bennett anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 to guide Zimbabwe to a total of 169 for 2 against Australia. He was well-supported by Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Ryan Burl (35) in crucial partnerships. Australia's Marcus Stoinis suffered a finger injury while attempting a catch, adding to their woes. Skipper Sikandar Raza provided a late burst with a quickfire 25 to push Zimbabwe to a competitive score.

Key Points: Zimbabwe Post 169/2 vs Australia in T20 World Cup 2026

  • Bennett's unbeaten 64
  • 61-run opening stand
  • Stoinis injured
  • Raza's late flourish
  • Competitive total of 169/2
2 min read

T20 WC: Brian Bennett's fifty guides Zimbabwe to 169/2 against Australia

Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64 guides Zimbabwe to a competitive 169/2 against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026. Match report and key highlights.

"Bennett continued his attack and completed his fifty off 43 balls. - Match Report"

Colombo, Feb 13

Riding on Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64-run knock, Zimbabwe posted 169/2 in 20 overs against Australia in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

Coming to bat after losing the toss, Zimbabwe were off to a good start as both the openers, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, dominated the Australian bowlers. The duo tackled the seam at the start of the innings with clean striking and forged a 61-run opening partnership. Zimbabwe were at 47 for no loss in the powerplay against the 2021 champions.

Australia finally got the breakthrough in the 8th over when Marumani was sent to the pavilion by Marcus Stoinis. He scored 35 runs off just 21 balls and hammered seven fours during his stay at the crease.

Australia were not able to capitalise on the breakthrough as Brian Bennett continued to steer the innings with the help of Ryan Burl, who got out on the last ball of the 16th over after scoring 35 runs off 30 balls. Burl and Bennett scored 70 runs together as they put pressure on the opposition during the middle overs.

Bennett continued his attack and completed his fifty off 43 balls. He remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls. Bennett hit seven fours during his innings.

Australia's injury woes increased during the match as their all-rounder, Stoinis, was hit badly on the fingers while attempting to take a sharp catch off his own bowling during the 16th over. He was looking in pain and was taken off the field after the injury.

Zimbabwe's skipper Sikandar Raza provided a late push as he scored 25 runs off just 13 balls, which included two fours and a six, to help the team post a competitive total against Australia.

Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 169/2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64 not out, Ryan Burl 35, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35; Cameron Green 1-6, Marcus Stoinis 1- 17) against Australia

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Bennett's knock was so composed. 169 is a very competitive total on that Colombo pitch. Australia's bowling, apart from Green, looked expensive. Their fielding lapses and the injury to Stoinis could cost them dearly. Zimbabwe have a real chance!
R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I'm watching this closely! A strong Zimbabwe makes our group more interesting. Their batting lineup has firepower. Respect to Raza for that late flourish. Australia needs to bat out of their skins now. Game on! 🏏
S
Sarah B
While Bennett's fifty was good, I feel the article is overhyping a score of 169. It's decent, but not a winning total against Australia's batting lineup on most days. The real story will be if Zimbabwe's bowlers can defend it. The powerplay start was impressive though.
V
Vikram M
Marumani's 21-ball 35 set the perfect platform. That's the kind of aggressive start Associate nations need to post big scores. Hope the ICC continues to support these teams. More matches like this, please! The World Cup is better for it.
K
Karthik V
Stoinis getting injured is a big blow for Australia's balance. Their middle order looks thin now. Zimbabwe should attack from ball one when they bowl. Raza is a clever captain, he'll know how to use his spinners on this track. Exciting second innings coming up!

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