Zimbabwe remain undefeated against Australia in T20 World Cups after a career-best bowling display from Blessing Muzabarani and a gutsy 64 not out from Brian Bennett helped orchestrate a stunning 23-run win in Colombo and throw group B into chaos.

Muzarabani took 4 for 17 from four overs, ripping out the top order alongside Brad Evans in the powerplay who also took 3 for 23, as Australia never really looked close to chasing Zimbabwe’s impressive 169 for 2 on a slow pitch that had been set up by even contributions from the top four.

Matt Renshaw’s 65 off 44 gave Australia hope but on top of the polished display with bat and ball they also fielded superbly to restrict Australia and threaten their Super Eight hopes.

Brief scores:
Zimbabwe 169 for 2 in 20 overs  (Brian Bennett 64*, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35, Ryan Burl 35, Sikandar Raza 25*; Marcus Stoinis 1-17, Cameron Green 1-06) beat Australia 146 in 19.3 overs (Travis Head 17, Glenn Maxwell 31, Matt Renshaw 65; Blessing  Muzarabani 4-17, Brad Evans 3-23, Wellington Masakadza 1-36, Ryan Burl 1-09) by 23 runs

[Cricinfo]

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12]  at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting  pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
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Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

After running India close in their opening game in Mumbai, USA were outplayed by Pakistan in Colombo in their second. A third successive defeat, against Netherlands on Friday, will knock them out of contention for the Super Eight stage. History is also against USA: they have not beaten Netherlands in three attempts in men’s T20Is.

USA had earlier given New Zealand a scare during the warm-up fixture in Navi Mumbai,  but injuries have weakened them since. Fast bowler Ali Khan is nursing a groin injury while Jasdeep Singh (shoulder injury) has been ruled out of the rest of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with former Pakistan fast bowler Ehsan Adil replacing him in the side. Adil was thrown into the XI straightaway in the second game, but ended up conceding 39 runs in three overs against the country of his birth at the Premadasa. It remains to be seen if Shubham Ranjane, who had hurt his knee, is back to full fitness.