We’re at the halfway mark of the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. 20 matches are done; the 21st is underway. Almost all of the top contenders are in a prime position to qualify for the Super 8 stage. Well, not all. Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, might be in trouble.
Australia has failed to make it past the group stage once, in 2009. This time around, the Men in Green are in serious jeopardy. Placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland, the Aussies are placed third after each team has played 2 matches.
T20 World Cup 2026 qualification scenarios: Group B
Earlier today, Zimbabwe beat them for just the 3rd time in ICC events. It was a comprehensive defeat for Australia. From the second over onwards in the second innings, they were never in the chase.
One bad game, and Australia might be out of the T20 World Cup. Ireland and Oman are virtually eliminated. Neither has won a game yet. Even if they register victories in the remaining games, they might not make it. But theoretically, no team is eliminated yet.
T20 World Cup 2026 Group B: Points Table
| Position | Teams | Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +3.125 |
| 2 | Zimbabwe | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.984 |
| 3 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.100 |
| 4 | Ireland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.175 |
| 5 | Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -4.306 |
However, at present, Australia is in trouble. Zimbabwe has played one tough game against the Aussies and won. A victory over Ireland could seal off the two Super 8 spots for them. One has to remember that Sri Lanka is playing at home, and they have an upper hand over Australia and Zimbabwe.
Now that they’ve seen the Chevron handily beat the Aussies, they’ll be even more encouraged. The only positive Australia has is that they’ll play the last match in Group B. Australia can calculate all the permutations and combinations.
The biggest worry for them will be injuries. Australia has already lost Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to injury; captain Mitchell Marsh, too, is out with injury after sustaining a blow before Australia’s opening match against Ireland. Even Marcus Stoinis sustained a blow while bowling against Zimbabwe.
Remaining matches in T20 World Cup 2026 Group B
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 14 | Ireland vs Oman | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 11 AM |
| February 16 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 7 PM |
| February 17 | Ireland vs Zimbabwe | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 3 PM |
| February 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo | 3 PM |
| February 20 | Australia vs Oman | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 7 PM |
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