Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 after Zimbabwe's match against Ireland washed out

New Delhi: Australia was knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in the group stage itself as Zimbabwe have qualified for the Super Eight stage after their match against Ireland was washed out on Tuesday in Pallekele.

What happen to the match?

The Group B match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was washed out due to rain, without a ball being bowled at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Tuesday. 

With this, Ireland have also officially been knocked out of the tournament in the group stage itself.

What is Australia eliminated?

Australia have lost two of its three group-stage games so far, and now the team cannot mathematically catch up with second-placed Zimbabwe in Group B.

The Australia team on Monday had suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka and last week had lost to Zimbabwe. The victory sent Sri Lanka cruising into the Super 8s, while Australia's fate hinged on Zimbabwe's result. Only an Ireland win would have kept them alive in the tournament. Still the Australia team would have needed a big victory over Oman and a Sri Lanka win against Zimbabwe to progress.

Is this the first time that the team is eliminated?

No, this is the second time the Australian team have been knocked out in the group stages of the men’s T20 World Cup.

In the 2009 match, Australia had lost both its games in the group stage and exited the tournament.

The Aussies had then lost their group stage matches to Sri Lanka and West Indies and were knocked out of the group stage itself. 

Zimbabwe will join which other teams?

Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have qualified for the next stage from Group B. Other teams including, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies have also secured their qualification for the Super Eight stage, with only one spot remaining, which Pakistan and the USA are fighting for.