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Zimbabwe Stuns Australia, Reaches T20 World Cup Super 8s After Rain-Out

Zimbabwe has qualified for the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup after their final group match against Ireland was abandoned due to rain, earning them a crucial point. This result mathematically eliminated the 2021 champions, Australia, from the tournament. The cricket fraternity, including BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla and former players, celebrated the surprise result as a sign of the sport's growing competitiveness. Zimbabwe now faces a formidable Super 8 group containing India, South Africa, and the West Indies.

Key Points: Zimbabwe Eliminates Australia, Reaches T20 World Cup Super 8s

  • Zimbabwe qualifies after rain abandonment
  • Australia eliminated in group stage
  • Cricket fraternity hails growing competitiveness
  • Tough Super 8 group awaits Zimbabwe
  • West Indies' semi-final chances boosted
2 min read

'This World Cup continues to surprise and inspire': Cricket fraternity reacts after Zimbabwe eliminate Australia to reach Super 8s

Cricket world reacts as Zimbabwe qualifies for the Super 8s, eliminating champion Australia after a rain-affected match. Analysis and quotes inside.

"s inside.QUOTE: This World Cup continues to surprise and inspire. - Rajeev Shukla"

New Delhi, Feb 17

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla spearheaded the congratulatory messages as the cricket fraternity hailed Zimbabwe's Super 8s qualification after their third group stage match in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland was abandoned due to rain in the Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams got one point each after the washout, which helped Zimbabwe reach five points in the Group B points table, thus eliminating any chances of the 2021 champions, Australia, reaching the next round.

Rajeev Shukla hailed the ongoing T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka, where smaller teams have made a great impact. He also feels that Australia's early exit and Zimbabwe's going to the next round clearly show how competition is increased in the game.

"This World Cup continues to surprise and inspire. Australia's exit and Zimbabwe's qualification for the Super Eight truly reflect the growing competitiveness of the sport. Congratulations to @ZimCricketv," He wrote on X.

South Africa's former fast bowler Dale Steyn and batter Herschelle Gibbs also congratulated their neighbours for reaching the next round.

"ZIMBABWE, Go you good thing!!!!" Steyn wrote on X.

"Congrats to our neighbours @ZimCricketv, into the super 8s they go," Herschelle Gibbs wrote on X.

While the cricketer turned commentator reacted to Australia's exit, he feels that it is good news for the West Indies, as their chance for semi-final qualification has increased.

"Australia eliminated. Only the second group stage exit for them in this tournament's history. Why do I feel it's great News for Windies!!! Their chances of qualifying for the semis go up a notch."

Cricket Ireland also congratulated Zimbabwe while also focusing on the challenges they will face in the Super8s stage.

"It is over for Australia at the T20 World Cup group stage. Fully deserved by Zimbabwe. They have fielders who can fly like puffins. Into the Super 8s they roar. Can they now go even deeper and into the knockout stage?" Iceland cricket wrote on X.

Zimbabwe is placed in a tough group in the Super 8, as they will have to face defending champions India, 2024 runner-ups South Africa, and two-time champions West Indies and finish in the top two in the points table to reach the semi-final.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is fantastic. Australia's exit is a shock, but it makes the tournament so much more exciting. The unpredictability is what we love about T20 cricket. Good luck to Zimbabwe in the Super 8s!
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Priya S
While I'm happy for Zimbabwe, let's be honest, their path to semis is almost impossible now. Group with India, SA, and WI? They'll need a miracle. But just reaching Super 8s is a huge achievement for them. Hope they play without pressure.
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Vikram M
Shukla ji is right, this World Cup is full of surprises! But as an Indian fan, my focus is on our team. Zimbabwe in our Super 8 group is interesting. We must not take them lightly after this performance. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
Australia out? Kaboom! 🤯 This is why we watch cricket. No one is invincible. Big respect to the Zimbabwe team for fighting hard. Their fielding has been top-class this tournament. Hope they give a tough fight to all teams in the next round.
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Kavya N
A very heartwarming story. Zimbabwe cricket has been through so much turmoil. This success will inspire a whole generation there. This is bigger than just a game for them. Wishing them all the best from India! 🙏

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