Are Australia eliminated from T20 World Cup 2026 after losing to Zimbabwe? Know here

Australia suffered a 23-run defeat against Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

Australia were considered the second-most favourite team to win the T20 World Cup 2026. But only after two games, they have one foot in the elimination. Australia were placed in Group B, along with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman.

Four of these five teams are test-playing nations, which is why this was considered the most difficult group. This was proved when Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs in a Group B match in Colombo. Zimbabwe stunned the Kangaroos in both departments and earned two crucial points on the board.

The current leaderboard shows Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe ranked first and second with four points each, and Australia slipped to third spot with one win and one defeat. Notably, only two teams from a group can qualify for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Have Zimbabwe knocked Australia out of the T20 World Cup 2026?

All five teams of each group will play 4 games. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. Friday’s defeat has dealt a blow to Australia’s hope of qualifying for the next round. However, they are not out of the tournament yet; they now have one win and one defeat in two games.

Now, Australia‘s qualification look a bit tricky. Australia have two more games left to play in Group B. They will face Sri Lanka on February 16, and their final group game will be against Oman on February 20. These two games will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

For Australia, it has become mandatory to win their remaining two games. If they do that, they will get six points, and then NRR will come into play. If they beat Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also beat Sri Lanka, then Australia’s qualification will be easier.

But if Australia lose even one of their remaining two games, they will be officially out of the competition, unless there is a miracle. So Australia still have a chance, but they need to ensure that they win their next two games by good margins, which can give them points and also improve their NRR.

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