It was inevitable after the defeat to Sri Lanka on Monday (February 16) but Australia are now knocked out from T20 World Cup 2026 after Ireland's washout against Zimbabwe. For the Aussies to stand a chance, Zimbabwe had to lose to both Ireland and Sri Lanka, while they had to beat Oman a massive margin to qualify to the Super 8s.
A single point was all that Zimbabwe needed and the weather Gods ensured that in Pallekele to move them to five points from three games. Australia have just two points from three games so far. Zimbabwe will join the likes of defending champions India, South Africa and West Indies in G1 group of the Super 8s.
Australia have only themselves to blame as they were extremely poor in both their defeats in this T20 World Cup. The tactical blunders began right from the toss against Zimbabwe and the batting issues were evident across both games. The staggering collapse against the Lankans on Monday all but sealed the deal for the 2021 champions.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe open their Super 8s campaign against West Indies in Mumbai on February 23, followed by the big clash against India at Chennai on February 26 before winding up against their neighbours South Africa on March 1 in Delhi. For those unaware, the top two teams from each Super 8s group will progress to the semifinal.
G1 Super 8s schedule
February 22: India vs South Africa, Ahmedabad
February 23: Zimbabwe vs West Indies, Ahmedabad
February 26: West Indies vs South Africa, Ahmedabad
India vs Zimbabwe, Chennai
March 1: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Delhi
India vs West Indies, Kolkata
