Australia’s early exit might have shocked many. However, they didn’t lose the T20 World Cup in just one night. Too many issues circled the team at the same time, notwithstanding the unwanted injury issues that surfaced. They were flying not too long ago, winning 10 of 11 games in one period. The powerplay plan was clear. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head would come hard. The middle order would finish. The pace attack would bully teams early. It worked in 2025. But too many pieces of the puzzle blew out.
Australia’s horrible T20 World Cup 2026
Against Sri Lanka, they were 104 without loss inside nine overs. From there, they stumbled to 181 all out, losing 6 for 21 at the death. Against Zimbabwe, the bowlers barely made a dent. Across those two defeats, Australia took only four wickets. Out of those four, Marcus Stoinis took two, while Cameron Green bagged the other. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa went wicketless in consecutive games for the first time in years. Australia were inferior with the ball.
Injuries haven’t helped. Josh Hazlewood’s absence has hollowed out the powerplay threat. He was literally bowling in full steam the last time Hazlewood played T20Is. However, Australia lost both Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for the tournament. Some selection calls were questionable too. Steven Smith and Matt Renshaw sat out while others with long droughts were backed again. The preparation choices, prioritising the BBL over extended warm-ups in spinning conditions, now look optimistic at best.
Oman to dent Australia further?
Oman are already eliminated after heavy defeats to Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Ireland. They were also beaten comfortably by Australia in 2024. On paper, this should be routine for Australia to save their reputation somewhat. But T20 cricket does not care for paper. Captain Jatinder Singh made it clear that his side sees Friday in Pallekele differently.
“One hundred percent this is an opportunity. T20 is a game of momentum and the moments. If you play those moments right, you can do anything on that particular day. Australia is not doing well at the moment… it is the best time to crush them.,” said the Oman captain ahead of the last group game of the T20 World Cup 2026. “The boys are really positive. They are looking forward to the match against Australia to make their mark.”
Australia have little to gain beyond pride. Oman, meanwhile, see a wounded heavyweight and a rare chance to make their mark. It would be groundbreaking if Oman manage to pull off an upset tonight. Meanwhile for Australia, this is the sixth instance of them bowing out of a T20 World Cup quite early. In other four editions, they have two semi-final spots, one final before winning their maiden title in 2021.
