Rain had the final say in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe on Tuesday (February 17). The match was called off without the toss being held due to rain in Pallekele.
With the game being abandoned, Australia bowed out of the tournament in the group-stage while Zimbabwe became the second team from Group B to qualify for Super 8s. Co-hosts Sri Lanka have already qualified for the Super 8 phase from this group with a game to spare.
Australia were also on two points following their defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The 2021 champions needed Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining matches to remain in reckoning for the next round, but incessant rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ended their hopes. The shared points took the Sikandar Raza-led side to five, enough to secure a Super 8 berth.
Zimbabwe became the seventh team to progress to the Super 8s, completing Group G1, also featuring India, South Africa and West Indies.
The Sikandar Raza-led side will play their final group match against Sri Lanka on February 19, while they will face India in their opening Super 8 fixture on February 26 in Chennai.
Cricket fraternity congratulated the Zimbabwean team for entering the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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