t20 world cup standings: Rain ends Ireland and Australia's hopes as Zimbabwe advance
Persistent rain in Kandy forced the abandonment of the crucial Group B match between Ireland and Zimbabwe, ending both Ireland's and Australia's hopes of reaching the Super 8s. The washout left Zimbabwe on five points and confirmed Australia’s exit with two points, while Ireland finish their campaign on three.
Washout hands Zimbabwe the key point; Australia eliminated
Heavy and unrelenting rain at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium prevented a single ball being bowled in the must-win contest, with the match called off roughly three hours after the scheduled toss. Both teams were awarded one point, a result that left Zimbabwe uncatchable for Australia in Group B.
The abandonment means Zimbabwe finish on five points, Ireland end their campaign on three, and Australia remain on two with one match left. Australia’s remaining group fixture against Oman, scheduled for Friday at 8: 30 ET, is now a dead rubber for the former champions.
The outcome is notable for Australia. This elimination marks their earliest exit from a World Cup group stage in either T20 or 50-over formats since 2009, capping a tournament in which injuries and inconsistent form repeatedly undermined their prospects.
Ireland’s reaction and what’s next in Group B
Ireland’s stand-in captain reflected on the disappointment of leaving the tournament in this fashion, describing the result as uncontrollable and lamenting missed moments earlier in the campaign that ultimately proved decisive. He highlighted the value of experience gained by a squad featuring several players in their first World Cup, and said the team will aim to learn and regroup for future tournaments.
Zimbabwe now face Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday at 4: 30 ET in a match that will decide the Group B winner; both sides are already guaranteed progression to the Super 8s. That clash will determine top seeding from the group and could influence later Super 8 matchups.
For Australia, the path forward is clearer in one respect: their tournament is effectively over. The final group match against Oman offers the opportunity to salvage pride and give game time to players pushing for selection in future competitions, but it carries no bearing on qualification.
Broader implications for the tournament
Zimbabwe’s passage underscores one of the enduring narratives of this event: qualification pathways and perseverance can deliver striking outcomes. Their progression follows a long qualifying journey to reach the World Cup and now a strong showing in the group stage, culminating in a spot in the Super 8s alongside the host nation from their pool.
The washout also tightens the focus on other groups where progression is still being decided. Teams chasing late qualification spots will now turn attention to their upcoming fixtures, while the confirmed Super 8 entrants from Group B prepare for a next phase that promises higher-stakes encounters.
With weather again playing a decisive part in Kandy, tournament organisers and teams will be watching forecasts closely as the competition moves into its next phase. For fans, the abrupt end to Ireland’s and Australia’s campaigns is a reminder that in short-format tournaments, small margins and uncontrollable elements like weather can be as decisive as form and skill.
As Group B’s conclusion settles the t20 world cup standings for that pool, attention switches to the remaining matches that will complete the Super 8 lineup and shape the knockout pathway for the teams still in contention.
