Australia are knocked OUT of the T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe’s conflict towards Ireland is deserted on account of rain

Australia have been knocked out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe’s clash against Ireland was called off due to rain. 

Ireland have also been eliminated from the tournament after officials in Kandy deemed that no play was possible. 

Rain began to fall before the match, with groundstaff having rushed to pull on the covers.

Both Ireland and Zimbabwe will be awarded one point as a result, with Zimbabwe qualifying for the Super Eight stage for the first time in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup. 

Australia had been hoping for a miracle after they suffered a bruising eight-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka on Monday afternoon, leaving Mitchell Marsh’s side on two points with one game to play. 

But those hopes were washed away by the rain, with Zimbabwe securing second place in Group B behind Sri Lanka, having amassed five points. 

It is also a frustrating result for Ireland, who were eyeing up a late charge to usurp Zimbabwe as second in the group. To qualify, Ireland would have needed to have claimed a convincing victory against Zimbabwe today and another win in their final group-stage match against Oman. 

More to follow…