In a sensational flip of occasions on the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13, 2026, Zimbabwe have pushed the 2021 champions to the brink of a historic collapse in T20 World Cup 2026. The Colombo crowd witnessed a masterclass in aggressive affiliate cricket because the “Chevrons” dismantled the Australian prime order underneath the floodlights. With captain Mitchell Marsh already sidelined on account of a weird medical situation, the stand-in management of Travis Head was anticipated to supply stability. Nevertheless, the Zimbabwean tempo assault had different plans, leaving the Australian dugout in surprised silence.
Brad Evans rattles Travis Head and unleashes the long-lasting Cristiano Ronaldo’s SIUUU celebration
The defining second of Australia’s nightmare powerplay arrived within the fifth over when Brad Evans delivered a knockout punch to the Australian captain. Working on a nagging good-length simply exterior the off-stump, Evans induced a hesitant push from Travis Head, who performed away from his physique with out vital foot motion. The ball took a thick inside edge, deflected off the batter’s pads, and rolled with agonizing slow-motion precision again onto the stumps to dislodge the bails.
As Head stood frozen in disbelief at his dismissal for 17 (15 balls), Evans sprinted towards the covers to unveil the Cristiano Ronaldo “SIUUU” celebration, a high-octane soar and mid-air pirouette that despatched the Zimbabwean supporters right into a frenzy. This wicket was the fruits of a relentless opening spell the place Evans and Blessing Muzarabani utilized the ‘stop-start’ nature of the Colombo floor to perfection. The celebration wasn’t only a private aptitude; it symbolized the rising confidence of a Zimbabwe aspect that had already diminished Australia to a dangerous 29/4 throughout the first 30 balls of the chase.
Right here’s the video:
AND ANOTHER ONE GONE! 🔥
Head pushes at it and chops it again onto his stumps! 🎯💥The SIUUU celebration is out in Colombo as Zimbabwe tighten their grip early! 🙌 Is there an upset on the playing cards?
ICC Males’s #T20WorldCup | #AUSvZIM | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/WBa4qbbxs0 pic.twitter.com/kzJ8M8j5ut
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) February 13, 2026
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Brendan Taylor, Cooper Connolly and Richard Ngarava are not playing today’s AUS vs ZIM match
T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe posts 169/2 amidst mounting Australian damage woes
Earlier within the day, Zimbabwe set a formidable goal of 170, anchored by a resilient maiden World Cup fifty from younger opener Brian Bennett. The 22-year-old performed the innings of his life, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls with seven boundaries, skillfully navigating the specter of Adam Zampa. He was ably supported by Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Ryan Burl (35), earlier than skipper Sikandar Raza offered the completion with a brisk 25 off 13 balls*, together with a large six off the ultimate supply.
Australia’s bowling effort was hampered considerably when Marcus Stoinis was compelled off the sector within the sixteenth over after copping a nasty blow to his left thumb whereas fielding a robust drive off his personal bowling. The damage seems to be critical, including to a casualty checklist that already contains common captain Marsh (testicular bleeding). Within the chase, the Australian collapse was speedy: Josh Inglis (8) fell to a pull shot, Cameron Inexperienced (0) nicked off to the keeper, and Tim David (0) mistimed a swivel-pull to quick wonderful leg, all earlier than Head’s weird dismissal. On the drinks break, Australia stands at a shaky 51/4, needing a ‘Maxwell Miracle’ to chase down the remaining 119 runs at a required charge practically touching 10 per over.
Additionally WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav holds back security to let fan in Virat Kohli jersey meet Hardik Pandya during IND vs NAM match
