Australiacampaign of t20 world cup 2026 There was a sudden and disappointing end and a heated argument followed off the field. Following the defending 2021 champions’ exit in the league stage, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif Tipped off with “Mighty Aussie” – a comment that didn’t go down well with the former Australia batsman damien martin.
When the important match took place between Group B, Australia’s exit was certain. zimbabwe And ireland Washed away due to continuous rain. The abandoned match confirmed that the Australian team would not advance to the Super 8 stage, marking only the second time in ten editions of the T20 World Cup that they failed to progress beyond the group stage.
It was a tournament of missed opportunities for Australia. They made a positive start with an easy win over Ireland, but suffered consecutive defeats to Zimbabwe Sri Lanka He was left hanging by a thread. Eventually, the weather took the final call, forcing the team to pack their bags earlier than expected.
Mohammad Kaif questions Australia’s “powerful” tag after early exit from T20 World Cup 2026
Taking to social media platform X, Kaif reflected on Australia’s recent ICC record since the 2023 ODI World Cup win. He suggested that the aura of invincibility around the Australians had faded in recent years.
Kaif said that after winning the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Australia has not been successful in winning another ICC title. They reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy last year and finished runners-up in the 2025 World Test Championship final, but silverware has eluded them.
He also revisited the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad and claimed that it had happened hardik pandya Had India been available on that historic evening in November, the outcome might have been different. The comment immediately attracted attention, with fans debating whether Australia’s dominance was actually waning or simply going through a temporary decline.
“They were called the mighty Australians after winning the 50-over World Cup in 2023. After that they had a massive decline. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they were not mighty. If Hardik Pandya had played the Ahmedabad final in 2023, the Australians would have lost there too.” Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
They were called a powerful Australian team after winning the 2023 50-over World Cup. After this he suffered a severe fall. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they were not strong. If Hardik Pandya plays Ahmedabad final in 2023, Australian team…
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 17 February 2026
Damien Martyn’s calm but firm response
Martin, who has recently recovered after battling meningitis and falling into a coma, responded with measured confidence. Instead of engaging in a war of words, he chose to highlight Australia’s long-standing dominance in world cricket.
In his response, Martin acknowledged that no team can remain on top forever, but reminded critics that Australia’s trophy cabinet still tells a compelling story. His message was simple but clear – dynasties may experience decline, but they do not disappear overnight.
Notably, Australia remains the most successful team in ODI World Cup history, with six titles to its name. They have also won two Champions Trophy titles, one T20 World Cup and one World Test Championship. Martin’s response subtly emphasized that one disappointing tournament cannot erase decades of excellence.
“Can’t stay great forever. But the cabinet looks great. It will change again,” Martin replied.
Can’t be great forever. But the cabinet looks quite nice. It will turn again.
– Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) 18 February 2026
Also read: Big Bash League set to debut in India as Cricket Australia plans inaugural BBL 2026-27 in Chennai
