Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak after relentless rain abandoned Ireland vs Zimbabwe match in Pallekele on Tuesday. The washout sealed Zimbabwe’s Super 8 qualification as the seventh team, while both Australia and Ireland were officially knocked out.
Zimbabwe vs Ireland (Image Credits : X)
The washout sealed Zimbabwe’s Super 8 qualification as the seventh team, while both Australia and Ireland were officially knocked out.
The toss for the Zimbabwe vs Ireland clash in Pallekele has been delayed due to persistent rain, with the outcome carrying significant implications for the Super 8 qualification race. Zimbabwe currently sit on four points from two matches, having won both fixtures, while Australia and Ireland each have two points from three games.
If rain forces a washout, both Zimbabwe and Ireland will share a point. That would take Zimbabwe to five points, sealing their place in the Super 8 stage. With only one match remaining, Australia can reach a maximum of four points, while Ireland can also get to four at best. In that scenario, both Australia and Ireland would be eliminated, and Zimbabwe would progress.
Rain in Pallekele is giving me painful flashbacks to that depressing evening in Harare, 2018 — the rain-curtailed UAE vs Zimbabwe Super Six game that cost ZIM a World Cup spot 💔
Back then, Zimbabwe needed just 1 win from 2 vs WI/UAE… couldn’t get it. In 2023 qualifiers, needed… pic.twitter.com/R9oNLfF6XC— ~ U D I T ~ (@Merovaeous) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe boosted their campaign with a historic 23-run victory over Australia in Colombo during the T20 World Cup 2026. After posting 170, they bowled Australia out for 146 to secure a memorable win. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani starred with a four-wicket haul.
Following the match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza revealed the squad had been dealing with fitness concerns. He said the team had only 13 fully fit players available, with minor injury worries within the camp. Raza added that the cricket board was exploring replacement options to ensure a full-strength squad for upcoming matches, especially given the unpredictable conditions.
