Persistent rainfall in Kandy has brought an abrupt end to both Australia and Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaigns. The crucial Group B fixture between Ireland and Zimbabwe at Pallekele Cricket Stadium was called off on Tuesday without a single delivery being bowled.
Officials delayed the scheduled toss before eventually abandoning proceedings three hours later, with conditions deemed unplayable.
The shared point proved sufficient for Zimbabwe to secure their passage to the Super 8 stage, accumulating five points in total.
Ireland’s tournament concludes with three points from four matches, whilst the 2021 champions Australia remain stranded on just two.
Mitchell Marsh’s Australia have crashed out of the T20 World Cup at the group stage
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Mitchell Marsh’s squad entered the tournament among the favourites but have delivered a thoroughly underwhelming performance.
Their campaign unravelled spectacularly with a 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, echoing the African nation’s famous upset from the inaugural tournament nineteen years prior.
A comprehensive eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on Monday, featuring a century from Pathum Nissanka, further compounded their misery.
Australia’s solitary triumph came against Ireland, whom they dispatched by 67 runs.
The Australians now face Oman on Friday in a fixture rendered entirely meaningless, as even victory would leave them on just four points—insufficient for progression.
Rain prevented play between Ireland and Zimbabwe, sending Australia out in the process
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Ireland’s stand-in skipper Lorcan Tucker voiced his frustration at the manner of their departure.
“It’s very disappointing to go out in this fashion but it’s completely uncontrollable,” he said.
Tucker acknowledged that momentum had been building following their victory over Oman, though it arrived too late to salvage their campaign.
Sri Lanka’s incredible victory over Australia on Monday left the 2021 champions on the brink before today’s result
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“I think when we look back there were moments, especially in the first game against Sri Lanka, which we didn’t get quite right. It just wasn’t to be,” he reflected.
The captain emphasised the developmental value for his young squad, noting many players experienced their maiden World Cup.
Zimbabwe now turn their attention to Thursday’s encounter with Sri Lanka in Colombo, scheduled for 09:30 GMT.
The fixture will determine which nation claims top spot in Group B, though both sides have already guaranteed their places in the knockout phase.
Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, had previously secured their progression and will be eager to finish as group winners on home soil.
For Zimbabwe, their remarkable campaign continues after stunning results that have eliminated one of cricket’s traditional powerhouses.
The first century of the 2026 T20 World Cup 🤩
What a performance from Pathum Nissanka 💯 pic.twitter.com/gaRebq1Lzk
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 16, 2026
The African side’s victory over Australia last week proved the decisive moment in reshaping Group B’s final standings.
