Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Eight stage after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Australia national cricket team, finishing on top of Group ‘B’ with six points following three consecutive wins.
Zimbabwe Qualify as Australia Eliminated
Meanwhile, the Group ‘B’ encounter between Zimbabwe national cricket team and Ireland cricket team at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was washed out due to persistent rain. The match, scheduled to begin at 3.00 pm, was eventually abandoned at 5.30 pm, with both teams sharing one point each.
As a result, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Eight stage with five points, while Australia were eliminated from the tournament. Even a win in their final group fixture against Oman national cricket team would not be enough for Australia, who managed just one victory — against Ireland — to collect two points. This marks the first time Australia have failed to qualify for the second round of a T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s qualification also represents a historic milestone, as it is their first appearance in the second round of a World Cup since 2003. They will move into second place in the group standings.
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will meet in their final group-stage encounter on February 19 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, although both teams have already secured progression.
Super Eight Fixtures Confirmed
Zimbabwe will begin their Super Eight campaign against West Indies cricket team on February 23 in Mumbai. They will then face India national cricket team on February 26 in Chennai, followed by a clash against South Africa national cricket team on March 1 in Delhi.
Sri Lanka’s second Super Eight match will be against New Zealand national cricket team on February 25 at the R. Premadasa Stadium starting at 7.00 pm. Their third Super Eight fixture is scheduled for February 28 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with the opponent yet to be finalised. Pakistan are the likely contenders, pending the outcome of their decisive Group ‘A’ match against Namibia at SSC.
From Group ‘A’, India have already qualified for the Super Eight stage with six points. The remaining qualification spot will be determined following the result of the Pakistan versus Namibia encounter, with either Pakistan or USA progressing to the next round.
