Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Wednesday, 18 February 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The ground staff bring out the covers as persistent rain continues to fall at Pallekele Cricket Stadium forcing the abandonment of the Zimbabwe vs Ireland match
PALLEKELE: Former champions Australia were knocked out of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when the Group D match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was rained off without a ball bowled at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
The result meant that Zimbabwe and Ireland gained a point each from the contest.
Zimbabwe with 5 points from 3 games joined Sri Lanka in the Super Eights from Group D. Both teams meet each other on Thursday in what could be a dress rehearsal for the next round.
Australia’s only outside chance of qualifying for the Super Eights was for Ireland to beat Zimbabwe. But with the game being abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain, all hopes faded and Australia find themselves out of the tournament along with Ireland from the group.
Zimbabwe will take on India, South Africa and the West Indies in the Super Eights. – [ST]
