General Sanyatwe hails Chevrons

Zimbabwe’s stunning 23-run victory over Australia at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has been hailed by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, as a defining moment for the country’s growing stature on the global sporting stage.

Posting on X shortly after the match, Sanyatwe described the result as a moment of national pride, praising the Chevrons for their resilience, determination and fighting spirit against one of cricket’s traditional powerhouses. He said the triumph would inspire a new generation of Zimbabwean athletes and singled out fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for special recognition following his match-winning performance.

Zimbabwe, who entered the contest as underdogs, delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After electing to bat first, they posted an imposing 169 for two before bowling Australia out for 146 in 19.3 overs.

Muzarabani was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs — his best figures in T20 internationals — as Zimbabwe’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. He received strong support from Brad Evans, who took three wickets for 23 runs, while Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl chipped in with a wicket apiece to dismantle the Australian batting line-up.

The victory gives Zimbabwe two wins from two matches in Group B, having opened their campaign with an eight-wicket win over Oman. They next face Ireland in Kandy before returning to Colombo for a clash against hosts Sri Lanka, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage.

Zimbabwe are seeking to reassert themselves among cricket’s leading nations after missing qualification for the previous T20 World Cup in 2022. At their last appearance in the tournament, they reached the Super 12 stage. Government officials have in recent years emphasised support for Zimbabwe Cricket through development programmes and commitments to hosting major international fixtures for both the men’s and women’s teams.

The latest result is expected to boost confidence within the squad and galvanise supporters at home, reinforcing belief that Zimbabwe can once again compete consistently at the highest level of the game.