Rain Washes Out Match as Zimbabwe Reach Super 8, Australia Eliminated from T20 World Cup

**Islamabad:** Rain dashed Australia’s hopes in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the Group B clash between Zimbabwe national cricket team and Ireland national cricket team was abandoned, sending Zimbabwe into the Super 8 stage and knocking Australia out of the tournament.

The 32nd match of the tournament was scheduled to be played in Pallekele but persistent rain forced officials to call it off without a ball being bowled. Both teams were awarded one point each.

Zimbabwe required just one point to qualify for the Super 8 stage. With the shared point, they now have five points from three matches in Group B, securing their place in the next round.

In contrast, Australia national cricket team managed only two points from three matches after suffering two defeats, ending their campaign. Sri Lanka national cricket team had already confirmed qualification from Group B with six points from three matches.

Sri Lanka had defeated Australia by eight wickets in their previous encounter. Earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe had produced a major upset by beating Australia by 23 runs.

Notably, since winning the 2021 T20 World Cup, this marks the third consecutive edition in which Australia have failed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.