Zimbabwe pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Australia in their Group B clash at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium and throwing the qualification race wide open.
The result has significantly complicated a group in which Sri Lanka and Australia were widely expected to progress.
Australia must now win both their remaining matches — against Sri Lanka on Monday and Oman — to keep their hopes alive.
Sri Lanka’s path is clearer but still delicate. If Sri Lanka win both of their remaining matches, they will qualify for the next round regardless of other results.
Sri Lanka can also qualify with just one win from their remaining two matches, but that would depend on the Net Run Rate (NRR) equation and results involving Zimbabwe and Ireland.
Crucially, Sri Lanka can almost knock Australia out of the tournament if they defeat them on Monday.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, can secure qualification by winning their remaining two matches.
However, three wins may not automatically guarantee progression. If Sri Lanka, Australia and Zimbabwe all finish on six points, qualification will be determined on NRR.
In that scenario, margins of victory could prove decisive. Australia play Oman in their final group game and could have the advantage of knowing what NRR boost is required.
The equation changes if Ireland defeat Zimbabwe, as that would prevent a possible three-way tie on six points and significantly reshape the standings.
With multiple permutations still in play, Group B is now set for a tense finish, with qualification likely to be decided by narrow margins and net run rate calculations. (Newswire)
