Australia were eliminated from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday after persistent rain forced the abandonment of the Group B match between Zimbabwe and Ireland, sending Zimbabwe into the Super Eight stage.

The 32nd match of the tournament, scheduled to be played in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, could not even begin as continuous rainfall made a toss impossible.

Match officials later called off the fixture, awarding one point each to both teams.

The shared points lifted Zimbabwe to five points in the standings, securing their place in the Super Eight.

The washout also ended Australia’s qualification hopes, as their progression depended on Zimbabwe losing the remaining group matches.

Australia, the 2021 world champions, had entered the final phase of the group stage with slim chances.

Before the abandoned match, their qualification scenario relied heavily on favourable results in other fixtures.

Group B leaders Sri Lanka had already booked a Super Eight berth with six points. Meanwhile, Australia remained on two points, with only one match left to play.

Even if Australia were to win their remaining fixture, they would finish with a maximum of four points, which would still be insufficient for qualification under the revised standings.

Two Group B matches remain, including Australia’s clash with Oman national cricket team and Sri Lanka’s encounter with Zimbabwe.

However, the rain-affected result has already sealed Zimbabwe’s advancement and confirmed Australia’s early exit.

The latest development highlights the decisive impact of weather on the tournament, as rain not only disrupted play but also reshaped the Super Eight race in Group B.