Australia to qualify for Super 8s after Zimbabwe loss?: The 2026 T20 World Cup has so far been entertaining. As the fans, after witnessing some close games, have got the first upset in the competition. Zimbabwe has beaten the Aussies in Match No.19 at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo by 23 runs. The Chevrons created history as they are yet to be beaten by the 2021 T20 World Champions at the T20 World Cup event.
Zimbabwe, after being invited to bat first, posted a defendable total of 170 runs for the Aussies. Brian Bennett scored 64 off 56 balls, leading the charge for the African nation in the major event. While coming out to chase, Aussies found themselves struggling at 29/4 as Blessing Muzarabani dismantled the top order, picking two wickets of Josh Inglis and Tim David in the powerplay.
Australia still to beat Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup
The Kangaroos then, with the help of Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw, stitched a partnership of 77 runs, before the former went back to the dressing with 31 off 32 balls. Renshaw was the highest scorer with 44 balls 65, the Aussies never came back in the chase after the latter’s wicket and were bowled out for 146 runs.
This is a historic win for Zimbabwe as they won their second game against the Men in Yellow in the T20 World Cup, after 9 years. The first time they did it was back in 2007. After the Aussies lost the game, the group has gone wide open with the Kangaroos next facing the co-hosts Sri Lanka.
How would Australia qualify for the knockouts of the T20 World Cup?
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have won two games out of the two. The island nation are leading the group table on run rate difference. The Men in Yellow are to play the co-hosts on Monday, which is a must-win game for them to stay in the hunt for the Super 8s.
First Scenario: The Aussies have no choice but to win both their remaining games against Sri Lanka and Oman. However, the win will also not do for them as they need to win by big margins to increase their net run rate.
Second Scenario: If Australia beats Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka defeats Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe defeats Ireland, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will end in the same number of points, with net run rate determining the qualification.
Third Scenario: If the Aussies and Zimbabwe both beat Sri Lanka, Australia and Zimbabwe will advance, while the co-hosts will be knocked out of the competition. To remain in the hunt, Australia must win over Sri Lanka and Oman.
Australia is suffering from injuries
Blessing Muzarabani was named the man of the match for his exceptional performance of 4/17 in the game. The Kangaroos are already missing out on Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins due to different injuries, and will hope Mitchell Marsh, their regular captain, who missed the first two matches due to a ‘testicular bleeding’ injury, might come back against Sri Lanka.
Steve Smith has been called to be the backup after Marsh’s injury. However, there has been no official confirmation whether Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup or not.
Also Read: Blessing Muzarabani named Mustafizur Rahman’s replacement at KKR
