Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has come to a premature end after the Zimbabwe vs Ireland clash in Pallekele was washed out due to persistent rain on Tuesday. The abandoned fixture proved decisive in Group standings, officially knocking Australia out of the tournament and confirming Zimbabwe’s place in the Super 8 stage.
Zimbabwe had already shaken up the group by stunning Australia earlier in the tournament. Heading into the Ireland game with four points from two matches, the African side needed just one more to seal qualification. The washout delivered exactly that, taking them to five points and into the next round. They now join India, West Indies and South Africa in Group 1 of the Super 8s.
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Ireland, meanwhile, were left frustrated. Having lost two of their three matches, they could have reached a maximum of four points with a win and kept slim qualification hopes alive. Instead, the single point from the no-result pushed them to three, ending their campaign as well.
We’ve done it! 🇿🇼 🥳
#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/DH887WL0Cl
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 17, 2026
कमाल हो गया । ऑस्ट्रेलिया विश्व कप से बाहर हो गया । सोचा भी नहीं था लोगों ने । यही क्रिकेट की असली ख़ूबसूरती है । @ICC @BCCI
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 17, 2026
Australia eliminated. Only the second group stage exit for them in this tournament’s history.
Why do I feel it’s great News for Windies!!!Their chances of qualifying for semis go up a notch. #T20WorldCup— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 17, 2026
ZIMBABWE 🇿🇼
Go you good thing!!!!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe getting support from 1.4 billion people after it eliminated Australia pic.twitter.com/4SdNKHKwwP
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe getting support from 1.4 billion people after it eliminated Australia pic.twitter.com/4SdNKHKwwP
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 17, 2026
This is very embarrassing…
#T20WorldCup— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) February 17, 2026
The most powerful thing about time is, IT CHANGES! 🔥
Welcome to the Super 8s, Zimbabwe 👏#IREvZIM pic.twitter.com/yF2gbVs2kH
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 17, 2026
That feeling when Australia get knocked out of ICC World Cups hits different.pic.twitter.com/8lFyWeCEHd
— Ragav X (@ragav_x) February 17, 2026
This World Cup continues to surprise and inspire. Australia’s exit and Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Super Eight truly reflect the growing competitiveness of the sport. Congratulations to @ZimCricketv . pic.twitter.com/RTFgN6KaTm
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 17, 2026
It is over for Australia at the T20 World Cup group stage. Fully deserved by Zimbabwe. They have fielders who can fly like puffins. Into the Super 8s they roar. Can they now go even deeper and into the knockout stage?
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 17, 2026
Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 in group stage
Indians : pic.twitter.com/XHcd5awHO3
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe Entering The Super 8 Be Like #T20WorldCup
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe’s qualification has been built on discipline and fearless cricket. Against Australia, they posted a commanding 169/2, powered by Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 off 56 balls and a late flourish from Sikandar Raza, who smashed 25* off 13. With the ball, Blessing Muzarabani dismantled Australia’s batting with figures of 4/17, while Brad Evans chipped in with 3/23.
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They were equally clinical against Oman, bowling them out for 103 before cruising to an eight-wicket win. Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Evans shared nine wickets, underlining Zimbabwe’s balanced attack.
In a tournament full of surprises, Zimbabwe’s rise stands out — and Australia are the biggest casualty.
