A point for Zimbabwe from a rained-off match with Ireland at Pallekele has knocked Australia out of the men’s Twenty20 World Cup with a match still to play.
Australia have been knocked out of the competition before even finishing their group stage fixtures after Zimbabwe’s match with Ireland in Sri Lanka was washed out.
With each side taking a point from the rained-off tie Australia, on two points can no longer catch Zimbabwe, on five, even if they win their final match against Oman on Friday, local time.
Australia ‘devastated’ after Sri Lanka loss
Regular rain in Kandy meant the covers were on the Pallekele International Stadium for much for day before the match was finally called off two-and-a-half hours after the scheduled start.
Zimbabwe thus go through to the Super Eight stage with Sri Lanka, with Thursday’s match between the teams deciding who tops the group.
It is the first time Australia have been knocked out of a World Cup at the group stage, in either the T20 or ODI formats, since 2009.Â
The Australian side suffered an eight-wicket loss to co-hosts Sri Lanka on Monday, placing the side on the verge of a group stage exit.
Their only victory of the competition was over Ireland, who were also eliminated by the washout.
AAP