Former champions Australia national cricket team have been knocked out of the tournament, as Zimbabwe national cricket team secured their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s after their third group stage match against Ireland national cricket team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday was abandoned without a toss.
Both the teams got one point each after the washout, which helped Zimbabwe reach five points in the points table, thus eliminating any chances of the 2021 champions, Australia, reaching the next round, as even if they win their last match, the Mitchell Marsh team can only get to four points, which will be lower than Sri Lanka national cricket team, who already have six points, and Zimbabwe, with five points in Group B.
Ireland Also Bow Out After Abandoned Match
The washout brought bad news for Ireland, as they are also eliminated from the group stage. Ireland had a poor start to their campaign with two losses in their first two games, but they got back on track with a dominating 96-run win over Oman national cricket team in the third match. They needed a big win against Zimbabwe to give themselves an outside chance to reach the Super 8 stage, but as the match was abandoned, the team finished their campaign with just three points.
Tough Super 8 Challenge Awaits Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are placed in a tough group in the Super 8, as they will have to face defending champions India national cricket team, 2024 runner-ups South Africa national cricket team, and two-time champions West Indies cricket team and finish in the top two in the points table to reach the semi-final.
Before the Super 8s, Sikandar Raza’s team will face the co-hosts Sri Lanka in their last group stage match on Thursday.
Strong Comeback for Zimbabwe in 2026 Cycle
The Zimbabwe cricket team missed qualification for the last T20 World Cup held in 2024, but this time they qualified while remaining on top in the Africa qualifiers.
Sikandar Raza’s team first beat Oman by eight wickets in their opening match and then defeated Australia by 23 runs in their second match to secure a historic Super 8 berth.
