After the match against Ireland was washed out due to rain, Zimbabwe has confirmed its place in the Super 8 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The 32nd match of the tournament was to be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, but due to rain the match had to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled. After a famous win over Australia in their previous encounter, Zimbabwe needed a point to advance to the next stage.
Australia, on the other hand, not only needed to win their last group game, but Zimbabwe also needed to lose both of their group games. However, Australia’s modest hopes were dashed by rain.
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Zimbabwe entered Super 8:
The match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was scheduled to start at 3pm local time, but the start was delayed due to rain and wet attire. The ground staff came out after about an hour to work on the wet surface. They removed water from the cover for the next 90 minutes before the sky darkened again and the match was eventually abandoned.
The washout meant that both Ireland and Zimbabwe would receive one point each. The crucial point helped Zimbabwe deliver its best ever performance in the T20 World Cup. Their previous best result in the competition was qualifying for the Super 12 in the 2022 edition.
They started their campaign with an 8-wicket win over Oman before defeating Australia by 23 runs. This was their second win over Australia in the T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe also defeated Australia in the inaugural World Cup in 2007.
Australia’s poor performance continues:
The failure to progress to the Super 8s has further compounded Australia’s poor performances in the T20 World Cup in recent editions. After winning the tournament for the first time in 2021, Australia has failed to reach the semi-finals in the last three editions.
This is their worst performance in the tournament since 2009 when they failed to qualify for the Super 8s. Australia will be hoping to exit the tournament with a win when they face Oman in their final group game.
Seven teams confirmed their place in the Super 8:
Zimbabwe has now become the seventh team to reach the Super 8 in the tournament. Apart from them, India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, South Africa and New Zealand have also made it to the next round. The United States, Pakistan and Netherlands are competing for the remaining one spot from Group A.
In the Super 8, Zimbabwe is in G1 along with India, South Africa and West Indies. Whereas, from Group A, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and one team are in G2.