The T20 World Cup 2026 encounter between Ireland and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, February 17, was abandoned with no result after persistent rain in Pallekele. Either side were awarded one point each.
The end result confirmed Zimbabwe’s progression to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, making them the second team from Group B to advance, alongside Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe’s qualification also officially ended Australia’s campaign.
The previous champions, who lifted the title in 2021, were knocked out within the group stage this time. Placed in a pool featuring Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman, they didn’t secure a Super 8 berth.
While fans applauded Zimbabwe for his or her landmark achievement, many took to social media to mock Australia for his or her early exit from the tournament. Listed below are some twitter reactions:
Australia at the moment are officially out from Super 8.
Waiting for Pakistan or USA#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup #ausvszim #Australia pic.twitter.com/aJJrGJdRYf— Imtiaz Ali (@ImtiazAliPak) February 17, 2026
That is where the aussies downfall began #ausvszim #AusVsSL #irelandvszim #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/T9BHjKcRND
— Lokesh (@Lokesh308552176) February 17, 2026
pic.twitter.com/LBiSaDvlm0 The celebration by the Zimbabwe fans on qualifying for the Super 8. 🥹📷#T20WorldCup #ausvszim #INDvsPAK #fans
— Faltu Gyaan (@QuirkyDose) February 17, 2026
ZIMBABWE SMASHED CRICKET AUSTRALIA ARE KNOCKOUTS OF T20 WC 2026 & ZIM IN SPUER 8🚨
– Zimbabwe were lucky in 2024 that they didn’t qualify for the world cup & couldn’t prove how good they really were.
– Qualified for Super 8 & directly qualified for 2028 WC .#ausvszim pic.twitter.com/QSb0qYXAfy
— Nitin Gupta (@pg1002007) February 17, 2026
Eat 5 star…
Do nothing 😎😎
Zimbabwe | #ausvszim | #INDvsPAK #Super8 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1u9FBLjOf7
— DesiDhamaka (@DesiDhamakaForU) February 17, 2026
Zimbabwe Entering The Super 8 Be Like #T20WorldCup #ausvszim pic.twitter.com/F95tHKwuQY
— ND Sport (@SportsByND) February 17, 2026
Rain eliminated Australia from T20 WC 😭#ausvszim #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2D4S1ptyBQ
— ND Sport (@SportsByND) February 17, 2026
Australia’s previous group-stage exit in a T20 World Cup got here in only the second edition of the tournament in 2009. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, who didn’t feature within the 2024 edition, have bounced back strongly this time, advancing to the Super 8s and in addition securing automatic qualification for the 2028 tournament.
Zimbabwe To Feature With India In Super 8s Group 1 Of T20 World Cup 2026
Following this end result, Zimbabwe sit on five points from three matches, registering two victories and one no-result. In contrast, Australia have managed only two points from their three outings. With qualification secured, Zimbabwe have been placed in Group 1 of the Super 8 stage on the T20 World Cup 2026.
Group 1 already features South Africa, the West Indies, and India. Zimbabwe will open their Super 8 campaign against the West Indies on February 23, then tackle India on February 26, before facing South Africa on March 1. Nonetheless, they still have one Group B fixture left, a February 19 clash against Sri Lanka, which is ready to be a top-of-the-table contest.
Sikandar Raza shares heartfelt moment with supporters as Zimbabwe reach Super 8
Sikandar Raza shared a heartfelt moment with Zimbabwe supporters after the side qualified for the Super 8 stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. On Tuesday, February 17, Zimbabwe confirmed their progress when their clash against Ireland in Pallekele was called off on account of persistent rain.
After the abandonment, Raza and his teammates celebrated enthusiastically, applauding and cheering in unison with the fans. The all-rounder stretched out his arms in appreciation of the gang, who responded with thunderous applause.
The jubilant scenes carried on as players and supporters celebrated together, clearly overjoyed at Zimbabwe booking their place within the Super 8 round. You possibly can watch the video here:
Sikandar Raza & Zimbabwe Team Celebration After Qualifying for Super 8s. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/b8VbMGyHzZ
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 17, 2026
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