Zayn Malik makes shocking statement about singing career ahead of new album
What could be more surprising than a global pop star admitting he once “was really rubbish”?
Ahead of his upcoming fifth solo album, Zayn Malik once again sat down for a headline-grabbing interview with Alex Cooper on her Call Her Daddy podcast.
Among other honest confessions, one related to his singing career caught fans off guard.
When the host asked the former One Direction star how he handles being a beginner at something new despite his massive success, Zayn didn’t hesitate.
“That’s why I get into so many weird random things,” the Die For Me hitmaker replied. “I enjoy that feeling. I enjoyed the beginning stage of not being good at something and then seeing the progression, like over the years.”
“Even when I was a little kid in a weird way, like when I was like eight, nine, that was what it was that it taught me about wanting to do music. I wasn’t great. You don’t just come out and you’re amazing at things,” he continued.
The Dusk Till Dawn vocalist reflected on his childhood, revealing that his passion for music didn’t come from instant talent. In fact, he was brutally honest about his early abilities.
“I was really rubbish. I couldn’t sing at all,” he admitted. “I had to work hard and practice and I was quite cute, but it’s definitely not good.”
Instead of fearing failure, the Bradford boy actively chases the challenges and is now smashing it.
He revealed he enjoys the awkward beginner stage, the part where you’re not good yet, because watching his own progression over time is what excites him most.
The PILLOWTALK chart-topper also admitted he strives for perfection even though he knows it doesn’t exist.
He described the mindset as something that “drives [him] a little bit insane,” but ultimately pushes him further creatively.
Zayn’s revelation is a reminder for all that even the biggest names start somewhere and sometimes, not very well at all.
– Multiple Premier League clubs are tracking Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, according to TEAMtalk. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are reportedly among the teams interested in the 20-year-old, with scouts being sent to watch him regularly this season. The Serbia international has caught the eye in the Champions League this season with goals to help Brugge win each of their last two games of the league phase and secure a place in the playoffs to reach the knockout rounds, Stankovic is reportedly keen on a return to Inter Milan, who included a clause in his transfer to Brugge that gives them the chance to re-sign over the next two years, but the Serbia international has a growing list of suitors across Europe.
– Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, TEAMtalk reports. Spurs have registered “concrete interest” in the 27-year-old, with the belief that he could make an instant impact at the club. The report adds that his representatives have also made contact with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, but Spurs, who have recently been linked with United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, have been the most interested. Pulisic will enter the final year of his contract at San Siro in the summer.
– AC Milan are keen to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie on a free transfer, Calciomercato reports. The USMNT player has been a consistent starter for Juve boss Luciano Spalletti, and Bianconeri officials have made it a top priority to get the 27-year-old to commit to the club beyond his existing contract, which runs out in June. However, last week Tuttosport reported that Inter Milan are hoping to sign McKennie as a free agent in the summer, and now their city rivals Milan have entered the fray.
– A move for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu is being considered by Manchester United, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be sending scouts to watch the 25-year-old in the Serie A match against Inter Milan on Saturday, and there is also interest from other clubs in the Premier League. Aware of clubs from Europe circling for Kalulu’s signature, the Bianconeri are reportedly hopeful of warding them off by offering him a new four-year contract that would include a salary increase to €3.5 million a season.
– Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva is on the radar of Juventus, according to Calciomercato. The 31-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer, and with no sign of an extension at the Etihad Stadium on the horizon, the Bianconeri are hopeful of signing him on a free transfer. Silva is seen as a potential addition alongside Atalanta midfielder Éderson who could be difficult to sign amid competition from Atlético Madrid, who enjoyed a 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday (stream a replay on ESPN+ in the U.S.).
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OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool remain hopeful of signing defender Ibrahima Konaté to a contract extension. (The Athletic)
– Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is expected to sign a contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford beyond this summer. (TEAMtalk)
– Manchester City aren’t planning to hand defender John Stones a new deal. He is set to become a free agent in June. (Caught Offside)
– Juventus could be willing to keep striker Dusan Vlahovic at the club if accepts a lower salary. He is yet to receive any “attractive” offers from Europe. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Clubs in the Premier League are interested in Villarreal midfielder Alassane Diatta. (Marca)
– Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez could leave the club in the summer. He has recently been unregistered from their squad for the Saudi Pro League. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Sporting KC striker Dejan Joveljic is attracting interest from Tigres as well as clubs in the MLS. (Ekrem Konur)
– Torino are considering a move for Empoli defender Gabriele Guarino. (Nicolo Schira)
Margaret Qualley recalls early days of acting career: ‘I was scared’
Margaret Qualley opened up about her acting journey, revealing that it wasn’t easy.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair published on Thursday, the 31-year-old actress discussed stressors she experienced when she first began her acting career.
“I started working so young, and when I first started acting, I was just overwhelmed,” said Margaret. “I felt like if I was fully myself, women would hate me and men would hurt me. And so that took away some of the tools that come with being a woman because I was scared.”
The Substance actress further shared, “Gradually, now that I feel like I have more control of my life, I can kind of lean more into the sensual and the feminine.”
The daughter of actress Andie McDowell and former model Paul Qualley confessed that she had made many mistakes in the early days of her career.
“When I say mistakes. I don’t mean it was the wrong thing, I mean I wouldn’t do it again,” she clarified.
The Happy Gilmore 2 star further told the outlet that her husband, Jack Antonoff, helped her gain confidence as an actor.
“Jack has helped me for sure, because he has made me feel more confident to explore all the parts of myself,” said Margaret. “But I’m also thinking about Mother Earth and the divine feminine and surrender. Those are the things I’m trying to lean into, that moment in my life.”
For those unversed, Margaret starred in several films, including The Leftovers, The Nice Guys, Poor Things, and Honey Don’t!.
Pakistan hockey team players celebrate after scoring during their emphatic 7-2 win over Malaysia in the Sultan of Johor Cup match held in Johor Bahru on Saturday. Photo: X
The Pakistan hockey team’s tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League has been overshadowed by a series of administrative failures that left national players without accommodation, meals or basic logistical support, raising fresh concerns over athlete welfare and governance within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
Pakistan were due to open their Pro League campaign against Australia on 10 February, but the tour ran into trouble even before departure.
The squad’s initial travel plan was cancelled after Australian immigration authorities rejected visa applications, citing incorrectly filled forms submitted by the PHF. After revised documentation and completion of biometric requirements, the team finally travelled on 5 February, flying to Australia via Thai Airways.
However, the difficulties did not end there.
On arrival in Sydney, the Pakistan hockey team faced a 12 to 13-hour layover before their connecting flight to Hobart. With night-time airport closures and a long wait ahead, players required overnight accommodation and meals.
According to officials, no hotel bookings or food arrangements had been made by the PHF.
Left with no alternative, one of the players contacted friends living in Sydney. These individuals arrived late at night, arranged food for the squad and briefly took them to a public area near Sydney Harbour before returning them to the airport in the early hours of the morning.
The team then continued their journey to Hobart, exhausted and underprepared, ahead of an international fixture.
On reaching Hobart, the situation worsened. The team waited for nearly three hours in the lobby of the DoubleTree by Hilton before being informed that their booking had been cancelled due to non-payment.
Hotel management reportedly told the team that any new reservation would only be possible at significantly higher rates. PHF officials later conveyed that no funds were available to confirm the booking.
As a result, players and support staff were left without accommodation in a foreign country. To ensure basic shelter and rest, the squad was forced to independently arrange low-cost Airbnb accommodation, relying on personal efforts rather than official support.
The incident has sparked outrage among former players and officials, who described the episode as deeply embarrassing for Pakistan’s national sport.
These were not tourists travelling for leisure. The Pakistan national hockey team, comprising around 20 players, was representing the country in one of world hockey’s elite competitions. Instead of professional logistical backing, they were left dependent on personal contacts and self-funded solutions.
Such scenes have raised serious questions about athlete welfare, administrative accountability and the PHF’s ability to manage international tours.
Beyond the physical fatigue, officials say the episode has had a demoralising impact on players, many of whom were experiencing Pro League competition under intense pressure against top-ranked sides such as Australia.
Critics argue that when athletes step onto the field wearing Pakistan’s colours, they carry the pride of the nation—and it is unacceptable that off the field they are left unsupported, unheard and unattended.
The episode has also damaged Pakistan’s image internationally, highlighting long-standing concerns over governance, funding and planning in the country’s hockey system.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) endured a sharp bearish session on Friday, as the benchmark KSE-100 index closed at 179,603.73, down 908.91 points or approximately 0.50% from the previous day’s close.
This decline extended a two-day correction, with cumulative losses exceeding 3,400 points over the period amid persistent selling pressure across major sectors.
Trading commenced on a volatile note, with the index dipping sharply intraday to as low as around 178,237 before partial recovery in late sessions. Heavy offloading was evident in banking, fertiliser, energy (including oil & gas exploration and marketing companies), cement, and power generation stocks.
Market turnover remained robust, with over 708 million shares traded valued at nearly Rs39 billion, indicating active participation despite the downturn.
Analysts attributed the sell-off to profit-taking after the index’s strong run-up earlier in 2026 (peaking near 191,000 in January), coupled with concerns over overvaluation in select counters and potential retail outflows if corrections deepen.
Topline market review stated that continuing its negative momentum, KSE-100 Index largely traded in the negative zone during the trading session to settle at 179,604 level (down by -0.50%). This negativity in the market can be attributed to ongoing results sessions, where corporate results have fallen short of investors’ expectations.
The top negative contribution to the index came from LUCK, UBL, OGDC, SYS, EFERT and ENGROH, as they cumulatively weighed down on the index by -685 points.
Traded value-wise, OGDC (Rs4.1b), PPL (Rs3b), NBP (Rs2.7b), LUCK (Rs1.87b), ENGROH (Rs1.7b) and SYS (Rs1.55b) dominated the trading activity. Traded volume and value for the day stood at 706mn shares and USD.38.8mn, respectively.
Stocks selling gripped the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, dragging the benchmark KSE-100 Index down by more than 1,500 points till Friday prayers break.
The KSE-100 Index stood at 178,979.43 points, reflecting a drop of 1533.21 points, or minus 0.86%.
Out of 565 active companies in the ready market, 203 advanced, 244 declined, and 118 remained unchanged.
Major sectors came under pressure, including cement, commercial banking, fertiliser, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and power generation.
Prominent index-weighted stocks such as OGDC, MARI, POL, PPL, HUBCO, ARL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL were all trading in negative territory.
According to sources, the government is weighing the option of imposing a Cess on fertiliser producers to recover windfall gains, with the proceeds expected to be earmarked for farmers’ support.
Earlier on Thursday, the benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a bearish trend, losing 2,537.16 points, a negative change of 1.39 percent, to close at 180,512.65 points.
During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 873.996 million shares with a traded value of Rs 41.766 billion, against 734.671 million shares valuing Rs 35.393 billion in the previous session.
K-Electric Limited topped the volume chart with 176.912 million shares, followed by Cnergyico PK with 52.213 million shares and Amtex Limited with 39.738 million shares.
The top gainers included Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which rose by Rs 333.64 to close at Rs 26,900.00, and Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited, which gained Rs 197.76 to settle at Rs 9,772.78.
On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited declined by Rs 365.71 to close at Rs 17,860.29, while Nestle Pakistan Limited fell by Rs 84.59 to close at Rs 8,012.50.
In the futures market, turnover stood at 198.316 million shares with a traded value of Rs 10.287 billion, compared to 149.370 million shares worth Rs 8.556 billion in the previous session.
Usher is taking a walk down memory lane to his surprise wedding with Jennifer Goicoechea.
Two years after secretly tying the knot in Las Vegas, the Grammy winner paid tribute to wife Jennifer Goicoechea with a heartfelt anniversary post on Instagram, celebrating the day they said “I do” following his Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance.
The couple wed on February 11, 2024, at Vegas Weddings’ drive-thru tunnel, The Fast Lane, just hours after Usher lit up Allegiant Stadium. Late Wednesday night, the eight-time Grammy winner shared a carousel of never-before-seen wedding photos along with a romantic message for his wife.
“Soft as cotton, strong in the weave. Here’s to the life we’re building thread by thread,” Usher wrote. “Happy 2nd Anniversary, my love.”
The post featured nine snapshots from their big day, including sweet moments of the couple kissing, holding hands and posing beside vintage red-and-white cars that matched Goicoechea’s bouquet.
Their blended family also took part in the celebration, with all four children dressed in white. Usher and Goicoechea share daughter Sovereign, born in 2020, and son Sire, born in 2021.
He is also dad to sons Usher V and Naviyd from his previous marriage to Tameka Foster.
Spend this day of love sharing a meal with your loved ones and enjoying their company. Here are some spots in Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru that you can visit.
Here are some eateries you can visit this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day this year ignites romance across Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru, where several restaurants across these 3 cities are unveiling special menus that have been specially curated keeping love at the fore. They have been crafted for couples, singles and even groups of women celebrating Galentine’s Day. From Mumbai’s cosy corners to Goa’s beachside spots and Bengaluru’s lushness, these venues transform dinners into love stories— think candlelit tables, live acoustic serenades, and tasting journeys that blend aphrodisiac flavours.
Here are some eateries in Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru that are celebrating love in the best way possible – with food.
Masaya’s Clifftop Haven, Goa
The stunning new sunset-to-nightlife destination, now perched on a cliff in Goa’s Anjuna-Vagator belt, is a special Valentine’s Day experience designed to elevate your romantic plans with scenic Sea views, vibrant energy, and globally inspired shareable food. With its layered spaces from intimate indoor dining to a sea-facing rooftop and tropical bar, mood-driven cocktails, and a soundtrack that moves from sunset beats to high-energy rhythms, Masaya sets the scene for unforgettable evening dates full of joy, flavour and celebration.
Como Agua, Goa
This Valentine’s Day, Como Agua in Vagator invites couples to celebrate love over good food, crafted cocktails, and unhurried conversations. Perched overlooking Vagator Beach, the space transforms into an intimate sundowner spot as the sky shifts from gold to blush. The menu is rooted in simplicity and craft, led by Neapolitan-style pizzas made with slow-fermented dough and in-house mozzarella. From burrata-topped favourites to vibrant vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, dishes are designed for sharing. Fresh salads and small plates add to the experience. Complementing the food is a thoughtful cocktail programme featuring house-made syrups and balanced, flavour-forward blends.
Hitchki, Multiple Outlets
This Valentine’s Day, Hitchki turns up the romance with Ishq Wala Love, a special dining and nightlife experience. The special offer includes unlimited IMFL pours and a Chakna platter for 2.5 hours, along with a complimentary dessert and playful Laila Majnu shots. True to its desi spirit and Bollywood nostalgia, Hitchki blends contemporary Indian flavours with a lively, no-fuss atmosphere. As the evening progresses, the celebration shifts seamlessly from dinner to dance floor with Hitchki’s signature Bollywood Night post 9 pm, featuring high-energy anthems and timeless love tracks. The best dancer couple of the night wins a complimentary bottle of wine.
Royal China, Bengaluru
Set the mood for an elegant and intimate celebration at Royal China in Bengaluru. The specially curated set menu available exclusively on 14th February, spotlighting its signature Cantonese cuisine alongside a thoughtfully crafted cocktail programme. From classic, well-balanced drinks to contemporary favourites from the bar, the beverage selection complements the experience, making it ideal for celebratory toasts through the evening.
With its polished ambience, timeless flavours and elegant setting, Royal China stands out as a refined choice for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with sophistication and ease.
Bluebop Café, Mumbai
skips the clichés and turns up the heat with Bluebop Café’s menu that’s playful, indulgent, and just edgy enough. Start light with Love Struck Hummus or the creamy Heart of Burrata, then dive into spicy Peri Peri Chicken Popcorn and comfort-heavy mains like Heart-shaped Ricotta Ravioli, Truffle Kiss Gnocchi, and Cheesy Lasagne layered with love. The heart-shaped pizzas, Amore Love Veggie and the fiery Heart Breaker Chicken prove romance tastes best with a crispy crust. Finish on a sweet high with My Heart Strawberry Cheesecake or Chocolate and Raspberry Velvet Affair, and sip on flirty cocktails like After Dark Affair or Strawberry Kiss.
Kalpaney, Bengaluru
This Valentine’s Day, Kalpaney in JP Nagar invites guests to celebrate love in all its forms with a limited-edition vegetarian tasting menu. Rooted in comfort and bold flavours, the menu brings together dishes that feel familiar, satisfying, and meant to be enjoyed together. It includes Rainbow of Love, Love at First Roll, and Beetroot on My Mind, along with Choux Made for Two features molten cheese-filled savoury choux finished with a blue cheese drizzle, while Olive You Forever combines kalamata olives, melanzane, and parmesan shavings. Dessert brings the meal to a close with Berry Much in Love, a raspberry confit and vanilla rose mousse that’s light, creamy, and satisfying.
Entisi x Croffle Guys Pop Up at Jio World Drive, Mumbai
From 13th to 15th February 2026, Entisi Chocolatier has teamed up with the favoruite Croffle Guys for a limited edition Valentine’s pop-up at its Jio World Drive store. Known for turning desserts into a full-blown personality, Croffle Guys bring their signature croffle – the flaky croissant-meets-waffle hybrid into Entisi’s world of refined chocolate. At the centre of the collaboration is a freshly pressed croffle layered with Entisi’s silky hazelnut gianduja, topped with strawberries, chocolate accents, and a snowfall of icing sugar. Crispy outside, gooey inside, basically the dessert version of a good love story.
August, Mumbai
This Valentine’s Weekend, celebrate love in a playful and heartwarming way with roses full of surprises. Each rose in the café’s specially curated vase hides a small treasure, creating moments of delight to share with loved ones or enjoy for yourself. Guests can pick a rose and pass it to someone special, revealing a little magic inside. Whether it’s a cozy cup of hot chocolate for two, a slice of cheesecake, or a BOGO coffee, the experience encourages joy, connection, and playful indulgence. The initiative brings August’s warm, welcoming atmosphere to life, making Valentine’s not just about romance, but about celebrating connection, surprises, and shared happiness.
Lygon St., Mumbai
This Valentine’s Week, Lygon invites guests to celebrate love on their own terms, quietly, comfortably, and without labels. The limited-time strawberry tiramisu and a menu of red-hued cocktails are designed to feel indulgent yet familiar. The idea is not about who you come with, but why you come at all. A first date, a Galentine catch-up, a solo evening with dessert and a drink, Lygon becomes a space where every version of Valentine’s feels equally valid, without explanation or expectation.
Pomodoro, Mumbai
This Valentine’s Day, Pomodoro sets the table for an intimate red affair rooted in Italian indulgence and honest hospitality. They are set to invite the loved ones to savour the moment. Now, as it expands its home from a cosy 28-seater to a generous 60-seater, Pomodoro isn’t getting bigger—it’s simply making room for love. Every plate is crafted with care, from hand-rolled dough to patiently built sauces, allowing flavours to speak without fuss. Whether it’s a first date, a Galentine’s catch-up, a relaxed gathering with friends, or a familiar ritual, Pomodoro turns Valentine’s into a warm, heartfelt experience—proof that love, in all its forms, grows best around a beautifully set table.
Dough and Joe, Mumbai
This Valentine’s Day, Dough & Joe is all about love that’s easy, cheesy, and best served with coffee. A neighbourhood favourite built on comfort and familiarity, it’s where conversations flow, slices get shared (or stolen), and “just one more coffee” somehow turns into hours together. With slow-fermented pizzas, cups that keep refilling, and a vibe that feels less like a date spot and more like home with better pizza. Dough & Joe keeps it real. Because sometimes love isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about good food, big laughs, and lovingly fighting over the last slice.
Raasta, Mumbai
This Valentine’s, Raasta sets the stage for Tug of Love, a full-scale social celebration that transforms the day into an open, high-energy gathering rather than a conventional couples-only affair. The event unfolds as a mix of curated interactions and free-flowing moments, with open mic sessions, icebreakers, games, and music shaping the rhythm of the day and night. Guests can choose how they engage, stepping into activities, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with friends and drinks in hand.
Set within Raasta’s music-driven, culture-first space, the event reflects the venue’s core identity — bold, social, and community-led.
Yazu Pan Asian Beach Club, Goa
Set against the backdrop of Goa’s coastline, Yazu Pan Asian Beach Club offers an effortless blend of romance, flavour, and atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for Valentine’s Day. With its open-air setting, ocean views, and thoughtfully curated ambience, Yazu creates a space that feels intimate yet elevated. The menu is designed for sharing and features refined Pan-Asian flavours crafted with premium ingredients. The cocktail program complements the experience with well-balanced, mood-setting pairings. As the sun sets, the energy shifts from relaxed and romantic to vibrant and celebratory, making it perfect for couples who want more than just a meal.
403 Forbidden Bar, Bengaluru
This Valentine’s Day becomes an exercise in presence. Designed as a sanctuary away from constant noise and digital distraction, this newly launched 403 Forbidden Bar invites couples, girls and everyone to unplug and truly tune in. Here, intimacy isn’t performative, but it’s felt. Dimly lit interiors, choreographed light and sound, and a cocktail programme rooted in emotional storytelling create a space where every sip is intentional. Conversations deepen as phones fade into the background, replaced by shared glances and unhurried moments.
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First Published:
February 13, 2026, 13:44 IST
Newslifestylefood These Restaurants Are Serving Up A Special Valentine’s Day Menu In Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru
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Kerry Katona Paolo Margaglione were spotted having a great time together
Kerry Katona appeared happier than ever as she soaked up some ‘winter sun’ with her toyboy boyfriend, Paolo Margaglione.
The TV personality, 45, and the personal trainer, 33, who started off their romance on Celebs Go Dating, were spotted having a great time together as they walked across the beach during their Dubai Getaway.
Sharing a photo to his Instagaram Story on Thursday, Paolo beamed for a selfie while Kerry posed beside him.
The former Atomic Kitten star, who had her fourth boob last year, showed off her glowing skin during their day out.
As for Paolo’s style, he wore a pair of sunglasses while Kerry wrapped her arm around his shoulders.
Kerry Katona’s official Instagram account
After making their way to the airport, the TV personality said she was ‘dying to get home and see her children’ as she waited to board the flight.
The reality star found love with the personal trainer after meeting on Celebs Go Dating, which began filming in April.
Meanwhile, Kerry shared her baby plans with her “soulmate” boyfriend. ‘I’m definitely open to having more kids,’ she wrote.
Kerry went on to write, ‘And I know my children would be happy for me, if that was the case.’
For context, Kerry already shares four kids with her previous partners. She is mom to two daughters 24-year-old Molly and 22-year-old Lilly-Sue whom she shares with first husband Brian McFadden.
Kerry also welcomed Heidi, 18, and Max, 17, with her second husband Mark Croft.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell (R) walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal by Zimbabwe’s Ryan Burl (L) during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Australia and Zimbabwe at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 13, 2026. — AFP
Kangaroos stumble early as opener Josh Inglis’s dismissal for 8.
Maxwell and Renshaw rebuild innings with vital 77-run partnership.
Muzarabani dismisses Renshaw for crucial 65 off 44 balls.
Zimbabwe on Friday pulled off a major upset by defeating Australia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash, registering a memorable victory against the favourites.
Chasing a target of 170, Australia were bowled out for 146 in a tense finish. The Kangaroos stumbled early as opener Josh Inglis was dismissed for just eight runs off four balls, including a six, by Blessing Muzarabani.
In the next over, Brad Evans struck, removing Cameron Green for a second-ball duck, leaving Australia in deep trouble at 24-2 in 2.5 overs. The pressure continued as Muzarabani struck again, sending back Tim David for a duck.
Stand-in captain Travis Head added 17 runs off 15 balls, including three crisp fours, before falling, leaving Australia reeling at 29-4 in 4.3 overs.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw then rebuilt the innings with a vital 77-run partnership, taking Australia past the 50-run mark and giving hope of a chase.
However, Ryan Burl broke the stand in his first over, dismissing Maxwell for 31 off 32 balls, which included a four and a six, leaving the team at 106-5 in 14.2 overs.
The sixth wicket fell in the 16th over when Wellington Masakadza trapped Stoinis for six off four deliveries, leaving Australia needing 53 runs from 25 balls.
Renshaw held the innings together, reaching a well-deserved fifty, but Brad Evans removed Ben Dwarshuis for six, reducing Australia to 131-7 in 17.4 overs.
In a dramatic finish, Muzarabani dismissed Renshaw for a crucial 65 off 44 balls, which included five fours and a six, and also accounted for Adam Zampa, leaving Australia 23 runs short with the final batter Matthew Kuhnemann run out.
Batting first, Zimbabwe got off to a flying start as openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 61-run partnership, setting the tone against the Kangaroos.
Marumani was dismissed by Marcus Stoinis for a brisk 35 off 21 balls, including seven boundaries, breaking the opening stand.
Bennett then partnered with Ryan Burl, and together they added 70 runs to guide Zimbabwe past the 100-run mark.
Bennett showcased his class, reaching his 10th T20I fifty while keeping the scoreboard ticking. The partnership ended when Burl was run out for 35 off 30 balls, leaving Zimbabwe at 131-2 in 16 overs.
Skipper Sikandar Raza joined Bennett and played a quick cameo, helping Zimbabwe cross the 150-run mark.
The Chevrons finished their innings strongly, losing only two wickets in the full 20 overs.
Bennett remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls, hitting seven fours, while Raza contributed a crucial 25 off 13 deliveries, featuring two fours and a six.
For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green claimed one wicket each, while the other bowlers struggled to make an impact.
