The crucial T20 World Cup 2026 clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe was washed out at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 17). As a result, both teams earned one point each. With this outcome, Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, joining India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, England and South Africa. Meanwhile, Australia was knocked out of the tournament, marking the second time in T20 World Cup history that they failed to advance to the next stage. &nbsp; Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. During the chase, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usman-tariq-confident-of-pakistan-super-8-chances-after-india-drubbing-in-t20-world-cup-namibia-colombo-1771324525558">Usman Tariq confident of PAK's Super 8 chances after India drubbing in T20 WC</a> &nbsp; After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution.&nbsp;He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match.&nbsp;“I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference.&nbsp;“I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.

This marks the first time in T20 World Cup history that Australia have been eliminated before the Super Eight stage.

The crucial T20 World Cup 2026 clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe was washed out at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 17). As a result, both teams earned one point each. With this outcome, Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, joining India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, England and South Africa. Meanwhile, Australia was knocked out of the tournament, marking the second time in T20 World Cup history that they failed to advance to the next stage. Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. During the chase, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8. Also read - Usman Tariq confident of PAK's Super 8 chances after India drubbing in T20 WC After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution. He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match. “I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference. “I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.

This marks the first time in T20 World Cup history that Australia have been eliminated before the Super Eight stage.

Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Zimbabwe qualify from Group B

Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday (Feb 13), pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Chasing 169, Australia were bowled out for 146. This victory moved Zimbabwe to second place in the points table and left Australia in serious trouble.&nbsp;The pitch was slow, making batting difficult of batters. Zimbabwe bowled with great control and reduced Australia to 29 for four early in the innings. From that point, the bowlers remained in complete control and did not allow the Australian batters for a comeback. Matt Renshaw scored a fighting 65, but did not get enough support from the rest of the lineup.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack with four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Brad Evans took three wickets for 23 runs. This was also Zimbabwe’s second win over Australia in T20 World Cup history.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read &nbsp;- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-pak-high-voltage-clash-in-doubt-rain-expected-to-play-spoilsport-suryakumar-yadav-1770977049369">T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK: High-voltage clash in doubt? Rain expected to play spoilsport</a><h2>How Australia can still reach Super 8 stage</h2>After this loss, Australia’s chances of reaching the Super 8 are at risk. They must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman. If they win both games, they will have six points. However, they will also need big wins to improve their net run rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;If Australia beat Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka later defeat Zimbabwe (assuming Zimbabwe beat Ireland), then Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe could all finish with the same number of points. In that case, net run rate will decide which teams will qualify.&nbsp;&nbsp;If Australia and Zimbabwe both beat Sri Lanka, then Australia and Zimbabwe will qualify for the Super 8 and Sri Lanka will be knocked out. Australia must win against Sri Lanka and Oman to stay in the competition.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-ben-curran-brother-of-england-all-rounders-sam-tom-joins-zimbabwe-squad-for-injured-brendan-williams-1770972041347">T20 WC 2026 | Ben Curran, brother of ENG players Sam &amp; Tom, joins Zimbabwe squad</a><h2>Who could replace Australia in the Super 8?</h2>Based on the current situation, Zimbabwe are the strongest team to replace Australia in the Super 8 from Group B. They have won both of their matches and have a strong net run rate of +1.194. If they continue this form, they are likely to qualify.<h3>Possible Super 8 fixtures (If Zimbabwe replace Australia)</h3>If Zimbabwe take Australia’s place (X2 position), the updated Super 8 matches could look like this: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23 Feb 2026 - Zimbabwe vs West Indies in Mumbai &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26 Feb 2026 - Zimbabwe vs India in Chennai &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 Mar 2026 - Zimbabwe vs South Africa in Delhi&nbsp;The above scenario will be possible assuming India, West Indies and South Africa qualify along with Zimbabwe for the Super 8 stage.

In the current standings, Zimbabwe are the frontrunners to replace Australia in the Super 8 from Group B. They have won both their matches and boast a strong net run rate of +1.194. If they maintain this momentum, they are likely to qualify.

Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday (Feb 13), pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Chasing 169, Australia were bowled out for 146. This victory moved Zimbabwe to second place in the points table and left Australia in serious trouble. The pitch was slow, making batting difficult of batters. Zimbabwe bowled with great control and reduced Australia to 29 for four early in the innings. From that point, the bowlers remained in complete control and did not allow the Australian batters for a comeback. Matt Renshaw scored a fighting 65, but did not get enough support from the rest of the lineup. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack with four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Brad Evans took three wickets for 23 runs. This was also Zimbabwe’s second win over Australia in T20 World Cup history. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK: High-voltage clash in doubt? Rain expected to play spoilsport How Australia can still reach Super 8 stage After this loss, Australia’s chances of reaching the Super 8 are at risk. They must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman. If they win both games, they will have six points. However, they will also need big wins to improve their net run rate. If Australia beat Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka later defeat Zimbabwe (assuming Zimbabwe beat Ireland), then Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe could all finish with the same number of points. In that case, net run rate will decide which teams will qualify. If Australia and Zimbabwe both beat Sri Lanka, then Australia and Zimbabwe will qualify for the Super 8 and Sri Lanka will be knocked out. Australia must win against Sri Lanka and Oman to stay in the competition. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | Ben Curran, brother of ENG players Sam & Tom, joins Zimbabwe squad Who could replace Australia in the Super 8? Based on the current situation, Zimbabwe are the strongest team to replace Australia in the Super 8 from Group B. They have won both of their matches and have a strong net run rate of +1.194. If they continue this form, they are likely to qualify. Possible Super 8 fixtures (If Zimbabwe replace Australia) If Zimbabwe take Australia’s place (X2 position), the updated Super 8 matches could look like this: • 23 Feb 2026 - Zimbabwe vs West Indies in Mumbai • 26 Feb 2026 - Zimbabwe vs India in Chennai • 1 Mar 2026 - Zimbabwe vs South Africa in Delhi The above scenario will be possible assuming India, West Indies and South Africa qualify along with Zimbabwe for the Super 8 stage.

In the current standings, Zimbabwe are the frontrunners to replace Australia in the Super 8 from Group B. They have won both their matches and boast a strong net run rate of +1.194. If they maintain this momentum, they are likely to qualify.

T20 World Cup 2026: Here's how Australia can qualify for Super 8 stage after Zimbabwe defeat

Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday (Feb 13), pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Chasing 169, Australia were bowled out for 146. Matt Renshaw was the top scorer with 65 runs from 44 balls, hitting five fours and one six. Glenn Maxwell scored 31 runs from 32 balls with one four and one six, while Travis Head contributed 17 runs. The rest of the batters failed to reach double figures.&nbsp;For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack with four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Brad Evans took three wickets for 23 runs. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl picked up one wicket each.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/t20-world-cup-2026-namibia-s-erasmus-joins-capatins-with-best-bowling-figures-in-tournament-history-1770964987039">T20 World Cup 2026 | Namibia lost vs India but captain Erasmus creates history with best bowling figures in tournament history</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. Zimbabwe posted a strong total of 169 for two in 20 overs. Brian Bennett played an unbeaten innings of 64 runs from 56 balls, hitting seven fours. The team got off to a good start with a 61-run opening partnership in 45 balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 35 runs from 21 balls before getting out. Ryan Burl then added 35 runs from 30 balls and shared a 70-run stand with Bennett. Captain Sikandar Raza scored a quick 25 runs from 13 balls to help Zimbabwe reach a competitive total.&nbsp;For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green took one wicket each, but the other bowlers could not make much impact.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-rajasthan-royals-set-to-name-riyan-parag-as-new-captain-and-not-ravindra-jadeja-1770963721047">IPL 2026 | Rajasthan Royals set to name new captain &amp; it is not Ravindra Jadeja</a>&nbsp;Australia’s chase started on a poor note, as opener Josh Inglis scored just eight runs and Travis Head made 17. Cameron Green and Tim David were both out for a duck. Although Maxwell and Renshaw tried to rebuild the innings, but they could not take their team to victory.&nbsp;With this win, Zimbabwe have improved their position on the points table and will aim to continue their strong performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

With this win, Zimbabwe have improved their position on the points table and will aim to continue their strong performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Zimbabwe stunned Australia by 23 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday (Feb 13), pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. Chasing 169, Australia were bowled out for 146. Matt Renshaw was the top scorer with 65 runs from 44 balls, hitting five fours and one six. Glenn Maxwell scored 31 runs from 32 balls with one four and one six, while Travis Head contributed 17 runs. The rest of the batters failed to reach double figures. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack with four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Brad Evans took three wickets for 23 runs. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl picked up one wicket each. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | Namibia lost vs India but captain Erasmus creates history with best bowling figures in tournament history Earlier, Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. Zimbabwe posted a strong total of 169 for two in 20 overs. Brian Bennett played an unbeaten innings of 64 runs from 56 balls, hitting seven fours. The team got off to a good start with a 61-run opening partnership in 45 balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 35 runs from 21 balls before getting out. Ryan Burl then added 35 runs from 30 balls and shared a 70-run stand with Bennett. Captain Sikandar Raza scored a quick 25 runs from 13 balls to help Zimbabwe reach a competitive total. For Australia, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green took one wicket each, but the other bowlers could not make much impact. Also Read - IPL 2026 | Rajasthan Royals set to name new captain & it is not Ravindra Jadeja Australia’s chase started on a poor note, as opener Josh Inglis scored just eight runs and Travis Head made 17. Cameron Green and Tim David were both out for a duck. Although Maxwell and Renshaw tried to rebuild the innings, but they could not take their team to victory. With this win, Zimbabwe have improved their position on the points table and will aim to continue their strong performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

With this win, Zimbabwe have improved their position on the points table and will aim to continue their strong performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

T20 World Cup 2026: Australia on brink of exit after Zimbabwe stun former champions

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc became&nbsp;the fastest bowler to complete 200 wickets in ODIs on Saturday (September 03). Starc achieved the feat in the third ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville. Starc surpassed former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to become the fastest to achieve the milestone.

One of the best fast bowlers in the world at present, Starc has been a prolific wicket-taker for Australia across all three formats ever since making his international debut in 2010. He picked up the wicket of Ryan Burl in the third ODI on Saturday to go past Mushtaq.

While the former Pakistan spinner achieved the milestone of 200 wickets in 104 matches, Starc has completed the feat in 102 matches. The left-arm seamer has&nbsp;200 wickets in 102 matches in his ODI career at an average of 22.31, including eight five-wicket hauls.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zimbabwe-script-history-as-visitors-clinch-maiden-odi-win-against-australia-down-under-512559">Zimbabwe script history, clinch maiden ODI win against Australia Down Under</a>

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That's ODI wicket No.200 for Mitch Starc! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvZIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvZIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/1kBz0kMuCy">pic.twitter.com/1kBz0kMuCy</a>
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While it turned out to be a memorable outing for Starc, Australia faced a shocking defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI of the series. Zimbabwe bundled out the hosts for a paltry 141 runs with the help of spinner Ryan Burl's brilliant five-wicket haul before chasing down the target with eleven overs to spare to register a historic win.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-has-never-been-a-great-t20-player-he-cant-be-like-rohit-or-suryakumar-says-ex-pakistan-captain-512615">Kohli has never been a great T20 player, he can't be like Rohit or Suryakumar, says ex-Pakistan captain</a>

David Warner was the saviour for Australia with a fantastic knock of 94 runs as the rest of the batters struggled against the Zimbabwe bowlers. Bur ran riot with the ball to finish with excellent figures of 10/5 in just three overs as Australia were shell shocked by the visitors

The hosts gave their best trying to defend the moderate total but failed to do so as Zimbabwe clinched their first-ever win in an ODI match against Australia in Australia. The Aussies claimed&nbsp;the three-match series 2-1 having won the first two ODIs.&nbsp;

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc became the fastest bowler to complete 200 wickets in ODIs on Saturday (September 03). Starc achieved the feat in the third ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville.

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc became the fastest bowler to complete 200 wickets in ODIs on Saturday (September 03). Starc achieved the feat in the third ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville. Starc surpassed former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to become the fastest to achieve the milestone. One of the best fast bowlers in the world at present, Starc has been a prolific wicket-taker for Australia across all three formats ever since making his international debut in 2010. He picked up the wicket of Ryan Burl in the third ODI on Saturday to go past Mushtaq. While the former Pakistan spinner achieved the milestone of 200 wickets in 104 matches, Starc has completed the feat in 102 matches. The left-arm seamer has 200 wickets in 102 matches in his ODI career at an average of 22.31, including eight five-wicket hauls. Also Read: Zimbabwe script history, clinch maiden ODI win against Australia Down Under That's ODI wicket No.200 for Mitch Starc! #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/1kBz0kMuCy — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 3, 2022 × While it turned out to be a memorable outing for Starc, Australia faced a shocking defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI of the series. Zimbabwe bundled out the hosts for a paltry 141 runs with the help of spinner Ryan Burl's brilliant five-wicket haul before chasing down the target with eleven overs to spare to register a historic win. Also Read: Kohli has never been a great T20 player, he can't be like Rohit or Suryakumar, says ex-Pakistan captain David Warner was the saviour for Australia with a fantastic knock of 94 runs as the rest of the batters struggled against the Zimbabwe bowlers. Bur ran riot with the ball to finish with excellent figures of 10/5 in just three overs as Australia were shell shocked by the visitors The hosts gave their best trying to defend the moderate total but failed to do so as Zimbabwe clinched their first-ever win in an ODI match against Australia in Australia. The Aussies claimed the three-match series 2-1 having won the first two ODIs.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc breaks record, scalps 200 wickets in just 102 ODIs

Leg-spinner Ryan Burl took a career-best five wickets for 10 runs to help Zimbabwe beat Australia by three wickets on Saturday and a consolation win in the third one-day cricket international.

Australia won the first two matches by five and eight wickets, respectively, after winning the toss and sending Zimbabwe in to bat.

But Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva won the coin flip on Saturday and the story was a much different one as the visitors took three wickets inside the first 10 overs and bowled Australia out for 141 runs.

In reply, Zimbabwe reached its victory target with 66 balls to spare. Chakabva top-scored with 37 runs and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 35 on way to a winning total of 142-7. It was Zimbabwe's first ODI victory over Australia in Australia.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-demolish-hong-kong-in-latest-outing-to-confirm-spot-in-super-four-512489">Pakistan demolish Hong Kong in latest outing to confirm spot in Super Four</a>

Josh Hazlewood led the Australian bowlers with three wickets. Veteran Australian opener David Warner came within just six runs of ending his century drought. Warner hit 94 off 96 balls to add a degree of respectability to the total.

Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava got skipper Aaron Finch for the third time in three ODIs. From the other end, Victor Nyauchi trapped Steve Smith leg before for one, the Australian unable to get the call reversed in a review.

Alex Carey was next to fall, caught behind after an erratic shot that left Australia 31-3 off nine overs. Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green swiftly followed as Warner kept the scoreboard ticking from the other end.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-2022-t20-world-cup-campaign-dealt-a-major-blow-as-jonny-bairstow-suffers-injury-after-freak-accident-512470">England dealt with a major blow as Jonny Bairstow suffers injury after freak accident</a>

Warner's pull shot shortly after was gathered on the boundary to deprive him of a much-needed century. He hit 14 fours and two sixers at a strike rate of 97.9.

It's been 54 innings across all formats since Warner's last century with Saturday's total the fourth time he's been dismissed in the 90s.

The series was played in northern Queensland state as part of the International Cricket Council's Super League competition for ODIs. Both teams are preparing for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup which starts in Australia on Oct.

Leg-spinner Ryan Burl took a career-best five wickets for 10 runs to help Zimbabwe beat Australia by three wickets on Saturday and a consolation win in the third one-day cricket international.

Leg-spinner Ryan Burl took a career-best five wickets for 10 runs to help Zimbabwe beat Australia by three wickets on Saturday and a consolation win in the third one-day cricket international. Australia won the first two matches by five and eight wickets, respectively, after winning the toss and sending Zimbabwe in to bat. But Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva won the coin flip on Saturday and the story was a much different one as the visitors took three wickets inside the first 10 overs and bowled Australia out for 141 runs. In reply, Zimbabwe reached its victory target with 66 balls to spare. Chakabva top-scored with 37 runs and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 35 on way to a winning total of 142-7. It was Zimbabwe's first ODI victory over Australia in Australia. Also Read: Pakistan demolish Hong Kong in latest outing to confirm spot in Super Four Josh Hazlewood led the Australian bowlers with three wickets. Veteran Australian opener David Warner came within just six runs of ending his century drought. Warner hit 94 off 96 balls to add a degree of respectability to the total. Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava got skipper Aaron Finch for the third time in three ODIs. From the other end, Victor Nyauchi trapped Steve Smith leg before for one, the Australian unable to get the call reversed in a review. Alex Carey was next to fall, caught behind after an erratic shot that left Australia 31-3 off nine overs. Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green swiftly followed as Warner kept the scoreboard ticking from the other end. Also Read: England dealt with a major blow as Jonny Bairstow suffers injury after freak accident Warner's pull shot shortly after was gathered on the boundary to deprive him of a much-needed century. He hit 14 fours and two sixers at a strike rate of 97.9. It's been 54 innings across all formats since Warner's last century with Saturday's total the fourth time he's been dismissed in the 90s. The series was played in northern Queensland state as part of the International Cricket Council's Super League competition for ODIs. Both teams are preparing for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup which starts in Australia on Oct.

Zimbabwe script history, clinch maiden ODI win against Australia Down Under