Zimbabwe have booked their place in the Super 8 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after their game against Ireland was washed out.
The 32nd match of the tournament was set to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium but the contest had to be abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. After the famous win over Australia in their previous outing, Zimbabwe needed a solitary point to advance to the next stage.
On the other hand, Australia not only needed to win their last group game but also Zimbabwe to lose both of their group games. However, Australia’s slim hopes were quashed by rain.
Zimbabwe enter Super 8:
The match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was scheduled to begin at 3 PM local time but the start was delayed due to rain and wet outfit. The ground staff came out almost after an hour to work on the wet surface. They removed water from the covers for the next 90 minutes before the skies darkened again and the match was eventually called off.
The washout meant both Ireland and Zimbabwe receive one point each. Thanks to the crucial point, Zimbabwe sealed their best ever finish at the T20 World Cup. Their previous best result in the competition was qualifying for the Super 12 in the 2022 edition.
They began their campaign with an 8-wicket win over Oman before beating Australia by 23 runs. It was their second win over Australia in the T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe had also defeated Australia in the inaugural World Cup in 2007.
Australia’s poor run extends:
The failure to progress to the Super 8s have only extended Australia’s poor run in the T20 World Cup in recent editions. After winning the tournament for the first time in 2021, Australia have failed to progressed to the semifinal in the last three editions.
This is also their worst performance in the tournament since 2009 when they failed to qualify for the Super 8s. Australia will be hoping to bow out of the tournament on a winning note when they face Oman in their last group game.
Seven teams seal spot in Super 8:
Zimbabwe have now become the seventh team in the tournament to progress to the Super 8s. Apart from them, India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, South Africa and New Zealand have also made it to the next round. USA, Pakistan and Netherlands from Group A are in contention for the one remaining spot.
In the Super 8s, Zimbabwe are in G1 along with India, South Africa and West Indies. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and one of the team from Group A are in G2.
