Former champions Australia crashed out of the T20 World Cup in a stunning group-stage exit after Zimbabwe’s clash against Ireland was washed out in Pallekele on February 17. The abandoned fixture sealed Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Super 8 stage alongside Sri Lanka from Group B. It also confirmed that Australia, Ireland and Oman will not progress any further in the tournament.
The 2021 world champions have now failed to reach the Super 8 stage for the first time in 17 years. Having lost two of their first three group matches, Australia were left relying on other results. However, with Zimbabwe earning a point from the rained-off encounter, Australia were mathematically eliminated, unable to catch the second-placed side in the standings.
Australia’s campaign had already unravelled following a crushing eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka on Monday. They had earlier suffered a shock loss to Zimbabwe last week, a result that ultimately proved decisive in their premature exit from the competition.
Their final group match against Oman is now inconsequential, with only pride left to play for. Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States, have staged a remarkable comeback by securing a berth in the Super 8 stage.
