Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 at group stage
- 5 hours ago
- 1 min read
Australia’s title defence at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is over.
The 2021 champions have been eliminated at the group stage after the Group B match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was washed out in Pallekele due to heavy rain. No ball was bowled.
The abandoned game lifted Zimbabwe to five points, putting them beyond reach of Australia. Even a win in Australia’s final match would only take them to four. Oman were already out, and Ireland’s chances also ended with the no result.
Australia’s campaign had already taken a hit a day earlier with a heavy loss to Sri Lanka in Kandy. Spinner Dushan Hemantha starred with the ball, before Pathum Nissanka smashed an unbeaten century to seal an eight-wicket win and Sri Lanka’s Super 8 spot.
Australia also suffered a surprise defeat to Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. Their only victory came against Ireland, with a convincing win in Colombo.
It marks a disappointing early exit for the defending champions in a tough World Cup campaign.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
