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.

As a result, Australia bowed out of the tournament in the group-stage while Zimbabwe became the second team after Sri Lanka to qualify for Super 8s from Group B.

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 contention 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.

Australia’s first-round exit has sparked widespread outrage, with former spinner Brad Hogg delivering the most scathing verdict.

“We probably deserve what we’ve got at this stage,” Hogg told Talksport.

Hogg labelled the campaign "shambolic," highlighting a severe lack of bowling depth. Injuries to star players such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and strategic slipups also contributed to their downfall.

Hogg said the bowling unit was a “shadow of former glories,” adding that players central to previous success “have fallen off a cliff when the stakes are at their highest.”

Australia’s selection decisions also came under scrutiny, especially the handling of Steve Smith. The veteran batter, who was in red-hot form during the BBL 2025-26 season, was initially ignored and only added later as cover.

Hogg said the issues exposed deeper structural concerns. “We don't have that bowling depth, and that's really shown,” he remarked, warning that selectors must urgently rethink the future. “They've got to look at their depth of bowling… what's our next generation going to look like?”