Cricket’s rich history is dotted with upsets, and Zimbabwe’s repeated World Cup conquests over Australia stand tall among them. The most recent came in T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo, where Zimbabwe clinched a 23-run thriller on February 13, their fifth overall win against the Australians and third in World Cups.
Brian Bennett anchored with an unbeaten 64, supported by Marumani and Burl’s 35s each. Australia’s chase faltered at 146, Muzarabani’s 4 wickets dismantling them despite Renshaw’s gritty 65 and Maxwell’s 31.
The first shock arrived at 1983 ODI World Cup in Nottingham. Batting first, Zimbabwe reached 239/6 on Fletcher’s 69*, with Ian Butcher adding 34. Australia managed 226/7, Wessels top-scoring with 76, but Fletcher’s 4/42 turned the tide for a 13-run win.
In 2007 T20 World Cup, Cape Town, Zimbabwe bowled out Australia for 138/9—Brad Hogg 35*, Symonds 33. Chigumbura (3 wickets) and Gary Brent (2) starred, before Taylor’s 60* guided a comfortable chase.
From gritty defenses to clinical chases, Zimbabwe’s World Cup magic against Australia remains a testament to resilience and tactical brilliance.