T20 World Cup 2026: ‘We probably should have chased that down’ – Matt Renshaw on Australia’s loss to Zimbabwe

Matt Renshaw expressed that having Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order and a fully fit Marcus Stoinis would have strengthened Australia’s chances. However, he felt the team should still have been able to chase 170 against Zimbabwe in Colombo. Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls as wickets fell around him.

Australia slumped to 29 for 4 in the fifth over before a 77-run partnership between Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell, who contributed 31 off 32 balls, steadied the innings. Despite the recovery, Australia suffered the loss and currently sit third in the points table with two points.

“We probably should have chased that down. I don’t think it’s the bowling group that should get the blame today. [Zimbabwe] bowled really well at the start, took some early wickets, and felt like every time we built some momentum, they got a breakthrough. That partnership with Maxi was important. But we couldn’t get enough momentum in there to chase that down. It was too many,” said Renshaw as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Renshaw was forced to bat higher than usual after Stoinis injured his left hand while fielding a delivery off his own bowling. Additionally, Marsh, who was slated to open the innings, was sidelined due to a testicular injury.

“I think our batting group is so fluid with different options. With our experience in Big Bash cricket, we’re very suited to going in different spots throughout the middle. Having Mitch out is a big loss and not sure when he’ll be back. He’s a big player to open the batting, and when he’s not there, someone else has to open. So we have those differences in where people are going to be. But in terms of fluidity, I think we’re all pretty able to manipulate and manoeuvre around different conditions. Unfortunately, we just lost wickets at the wrong time today,” said Renshaw.

Australia have yet to name a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament last week. The team management may be waiting to assess options before finalising a replacement. While Australia now face the risk of a group-stage exit, Renshaw emphasised that the team’s struggles are not due to a lack of bowling talent.

“I think the bowlers in the group that are here are good enough. You’ve seen them perform so many times in world cricket. Sometimes they just don’t get the wickets, and the ball lands in the gap,” Renshaw said.