Former champions Australia were ousted from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the Group B match between Ireland and Zimbabwe had to be abandoned due to rain at the Pallakele Stadium on Tuesday in a massive
upset, as Zimbabwe joined co-hosts Sri Lanka as the team to qualify for the Super 8 from their thrilling group.
Australia’s exit was the first time the side from down under dropped out in the group stage of the ICC spectacle since their lacklustre showing all the way back in the year 2009, when they failed to win a single game.
Following the washed out game in Kandi, Zimbabwe, who have accumulated 5 points from three matches, including the points shared with Ireland due to the abandoned game, advanced to the Super 8 for the first time since the introduction of the new format in the last edition.
Zimbabwe, undefeated in the tournament so far, stand second in Group B, trailing behind co-hosts Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka secured their progression with three victories in three games, thereby eliminating Australia from the qualification race.
Zimbabwe began their campaign with an 8-wicket win over Oman and followed it up by stunning Australia with a 23-run victory in their second match.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka, boasting an unblemished record in the ongoing event, have defeated Australia, Ireland, and Oman. They currently lead Group B with 6 points, ensuring their advancement to the next stage of the ICC tournament on home soil.
Former champions Australia started their campaign with a victory over Ireland but suffered a shocking defeat to Zimbabwe in their second outing. Their misfortunes continued with another loss to Sri Lanka in their third and penultimate Group B fixture.
The stalemate between Zimbabwe and Ireland lifted the latter to third place in the group with 3 points from 4 matches. However, this single point also eliminated Ireland from the Super 8 race.
Australia, in fourth place with just 2 points from 3 matches, stand above only fifth-placed Oman, who have yet to score any points after three attempts and remain at the bottom of Group B, which has proven to be highly competitive.
