Zimbabwe have advanced to the Super Eight stage of the 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. In contrast, 2021 champions Australia have been eliminated from the group stage. It marks only the second time since 2009 that Australia have exited a World Cup at the group phase.

On Tuesday (17 February), the Group B match between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, was abandoned without a toss due to rain. As a result, both teams were awarded one point each.

With two wins and one abandoned match from three games, Zimbabwe secured five points and confirmed their place in the Super Eight as the second-placed team in the group.

This is the second time in T20 World Cup history that Zimbabwe have progressed beyond the initial stage. They previously featured in the Super Twelve in 2022.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had already confirmed their Super Eight qualification from the same group. The Lankans sit at the top of the table with six points after winning all three of their matches.

Zimbabwe’s qualification means Australia and Ireland have been knocked out of the tournament. Australia have two points from one win and two defeats in three matches.

Even if Australia win their final group-stage match against Oman, they will not be able to overtake Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe. Ireland, meanwhile, finished the group stage with three points from their matches.

Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs in the group stage. Sikandar Rajara was ahead ever since that win. They got the result.