T20 WC: Zimbabwe team celebrates with fans after Super 8 qualification
Pallekele, February 17
Following their qualification to the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup after their clash against Ireland was washed out, the Zimbabwe team, including skipper Sikandar Raza, celebrated their best performance so far in the tournament's history with the fans in attendance.
Zimbabwe became the latest team to advance to the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 after their match against Ireland in Pallekele was washed out on Tuesday.
Taking to X, Zimbabwe Cricket's official account posted a video of players clapping and joyously singing and shouting with their fans, who were in the stands with the national flag.
Zimbabwe became the seventh team to get a ticket to the Super 8s. With Zimbabwe advancing to the Super 8, the tournament ends for both Australia and Ireland.
After splitting points with Ireland on Tuesday, Zimbabwe has five points from three matches, while Australia has only two and will not be able to catch up to Sikandar Raza's team even if they win the final group game against Oman on Friday, which will give them only two points.
Zimbabwe has been placed in Super 8 Group G1, along with India, South Africa, and the West Indies, with all teams playing matches in India.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand, and one of Pakistan/USA will constitute Super 8 Group G2, and their matches will be held in Colombo and Pallekele.
After this match, Zimbabwe are second on the Group B points table, just below co-hosts Sri Lanka, which defeated Australia by eight wickets on Monday to seal its place in the Super Eights.
Zimbabwe came off a 23-run win over Australia, having blanked Oman in their opening encounter.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Amazing for the game! Associate nations qualifying makes tournaments exciting. But honestly, the washout rule feels a bit unfair to Ireland and Australia. They worked hard too. The format could be better.
So our Super 8 group is India, SA, WI, and Zimbabwe. On paper, we should top it, but Zimbabwe just beat Australia! Can't take them lightly at all. Raza is a fantastic leader.
The celebrations in Pallekele looked electric! This is what cricket is about. Big fan of Sikandar Raza's passion. Hope they put up a good fight when they come to India for the next round.
Australia out is a shocker! But full credit to Zimbabwe. They blanked Oman and then beat the Aussies. That's proper cricket. Their fans deserve this moment after years of struggle.
As a neutral fan, this is fantastic for the sport. The more competitive teams, the better. Looking forward to seeing some of these Zimbabwean players in the IPL next season!
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