ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Pallekele, Feb 17: Australia’s campaign in the T20 World Cup came to a premature end on Tuesday after relentless rain in Pallekele forced the abandonment of the crucial Group B clash between Zimbabwe and Ireland, a result that propelled Zimbabwe into the Super Eight stage and knocked the former champions out of the tournament.
Persistent drizzle throughout the day meant not even the toss could take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
With the match officially washed out, both Zimbabwe and Ireland were awarded one point each. That solitary point proved decisive, taking Zimbabwe’s tally to five — a figure now beyond Australia’s reach.
The washout effectively sealed the Super Eight line-up from Group B.
Sri Lanka, who had already secured qualification with six points following their victory over Australia, will progress alongside Zimbabwe. Ireland and Australia, both stranded on two points, were eliminated from contention.
Australia’s hopes had hinged on Zimbabwe losing both their remaining group matches. But the unrelenting weather dashed those slim prospects, bringing the curtain down on their Super Eight ambitions.
Although out of the race for the next stage, Australia are yet to complete their group commitments and will face Oman in a dead rubber in Pallekele on Friday.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, advanced as the seventh team to confirm their place in the Super Eights. Slotted into Group G1, they will open their next phase against India in Chennai on February 26, before taking on West Indies in Mumbai on February 23 and South Africa in Delhi on March 1. Zimbabwe also have a final Group B fixture against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 19.
Sri Lanka, who topped the group, will meet England and New Zealand in the Super Eight stage, with their third opponent yet to be finalised.
Pallekele is scheduled to host four more matches in the coming days, but weather forecasts predicting further rain could yet play spoilsport again in what has already been a tournament significantly shaped by the elements. (PTI)
