Australia was knocked out of the T20 World Cup after the Ireland-Zimbabwe match was canceled due to rain. Zimbabwe reached Super 8 with 5 points. This is the first time that Australia has been eliminated in the first round.
Pallekele: An incredible turn has taken place in the T20 World Cup. The match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Group B was abandoned due to rain, leaving former champions Australia out of the World Cup without reaching the Super 8s. With one point split between Zimbabwe and Ireland, Zimbabwe became the seventh team to reach the Super 8. This is the first time that Australia has been eliminated in the first round of the T20 World Cup.
Heavy rain since morning at Pallekele International Stadium finally shattered Australia’s World Cup dreams. With the match cancelled, Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super 8 by finishing second behind Sri Lanka with 5 points. Defeating Australia in the group stage proved beneficial for Zimbabwe. Australia, who will face Oman in their last match on Friday, will be able to get a maximum of four points even if they win. Along with Australia, Ireland has also been eliminated without reaching the Super 8. Apart from Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka had already qualified from Group B. With this, the result of the Zimbabwe-Sri Lanka match to be held on Thursday has now become meaningless.
Double happiness for Zimbabwe
By qualifying for the Super 8, Zimbabwe has directly qualified for the next T20 World Cup to be held in 2028. In the last World Cup, Zimbabwe could not even qualify. The upset win against Australia in the group stage came in handy for Zimbabwe. Former champions Australia are now fourth in the group. Only Oman is behind Australia. Injuries and poor form of key players proved to be a major setback for Australia in the World Cup. Captain Mitchell Marsh did not play in Australia’s first two matches due to injury. Travis Head captained the team in place of Marsh. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins not playing due to injury also became a reason for Australia’s exit.