Former champions Australia national cricket team were eliminated from the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday after Zimbabwe national cricket team advanced to the Super Eights following a washed-out clash against Ireland national cricket team in Kandy.
Persistent rain at Pallekele Stadium meant not a single ball was bowled, officially knocking Australia out of the tournament. Zimbabwe progressed alongside Sri Lanka national cricket team from Group B and will now face West Indies cricket team, India national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team in the next round. Ireland were also eliminated.
Australia, champions in 2021, needed Ireland to defeat Zimbabwe to stay in contention. However, with Zimbabwe securing an unassailable five points, Australia — stuck on two points — cannot qualify despite having one match left against Oman.
The tournament proved disastrous for Australia, who suffered key injury setbacks. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out, while captain Mitchell Marsh missed early matches due to injury. Veteran batter Steve Smith was controversially left out before being recalled, but Australia still slumped to a decisive defeat against Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza hailed his team’s progress but said tougher challenges lie ahead. Ireland skipper Lorcan Tucker admitted disappointment, citing missed opportunities earlier in the tournament.
Zimbabwe’s qualification marks one of the biggest upsets of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026