Big News: Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 as rain seals Zimbabwe’s Super 8 spot

UPDATED: Feb 17, 2026 05:57 PM IST

Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett (C, back) celebrates with teammates after their team's win in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Australia and Zimbabwe (getty)

Story Highlights:

Australia are out from T20 World Cup 2026.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 clash washed out due to rain.

Zimbabwe knocked out Australia by sealing the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 berth after their clash against Ireland was washed out due to persistent rain at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. As the match was abandoned, both teams shared the points. That took Zimbabwe to five points in the group table, which is a number Australia can no longer catch. Even if Mitch Marsh’s team beats Oman in their final group match on Friday, they can only reach four points. Oman were already out of the tournament, and this no-result also ended Ireland’s chances.

Sri Lanka dented Australia's hopes

Australia’s hopes had already taken a big hit a day earlier when they suffered a massive defeat vs Sri Lanka at the same venue in Kandy. Sri Lankan spinner Dushan Hemantha picked up three wickets for 37 runs to bowl Australia out for 181. In response, Pathum Nissanka played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 100 from just 52 balls, helping Sri Lanka chase down the target in only 18 overs and secure their place in the Super 8 stage.

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Overall, it has been a disappointing campaign for Australia. They also suffered a 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. Their only win came against Ireland, whom they beat by 67 runs in their opening match in Colombo.

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Teams who qualifed for Super 8

From Group B, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have advanced to the next round. England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies have also qualified for the Super 8 stage. There is just one spot left, with Pakistan and the USA still in the race.

What was Australia's way to qualify for Super 8

For Australia to have made it through, several things needed to go their way. They needed Ireland to beat Zimbabwe. Then Australia had to defeat Oman by a big margin. On top of that, they were hoping Sri Lanka would also beat Zimbabwe in the final group match. That would have left Zimbabwe stuck on four points, level with Australia. In that case, qualification would have depended on net run rate, and Australia would have needed a better one to move ahead.