![Mitchell Marsh and Babar Azam [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771308262068_MitchellMarshandBabarAzam.jpg?type=hq)
Mitchell Marsh and Babar Azam [Source: X]
Australia crashing out of the T20 World Cup 2026 would be a complete disaster for a team that once ruled world cricket. However harsh it may sound, it is now a real possibility for the Mitchell Marsh-led side in this campaign.
Commentator Aakash Chopra has bluntly spoken about the team’s current position as their fate hangs on several permutations and combinations to qualify for the Super 8 stage.
How Australia Ended Up On Losing Super 8 Spot In T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka defeated Australia by eight wickets on Monday, February 16, pushing them to third place in Group B with just one win from three matches. Australia now have only one match left, and their qualification also depends on the result of the Zimbabwe vs Ireland clash.
Despite posting a competitive 181, built on fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head along with late contributions from Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s bowlers failed to contain Sri Lanka.
Nissanka Smashes Australia’s Dreams
Pathum Nissanka scored the first century of the tournament off just 52 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to victory inside 18 overs. Kusal Mendis and Pawan Rajapaksa also chipped in, while Marcus Stoinis was the only Australian bowler to make an impact with two wickets. Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa were taken apart by Nissanka.
Though not a major upset, the defeat has opened the door for Zimbabwe to strengthen their Super 8 chances. Zimbabwe have won both their matches so far and still has games against Ireland and Sri Lanka.
If Zimbabwe beat Ireland, Australia will be eliminated. Even if Zimbabwe lose to Sri Lanka, Australia would still need a significantly superior net run rate to progress, which appears highly unlikely.
Aakash Chopra Takes Mega Jibe At Australia
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra remarked that only luck can save Australia now, suggesting that a near-divine intervention is required for them to reach the Super 8 stage.
"Australia's tata bye-bye is about to happen. They are waiting for kudrat ka nizam. That was our neighbour's job, but New Zealand's neighbours are doing that job now, because they lost to Zimbabwe and have lost to Sri Lanka. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland this afternoon, they (Australia) will play the last match only for formality against Oman," Chopra said.
"You have won only one match. You can reach only four points. You can't even reach six. Your last match is against Oman for sure, but Zimbabwe are already sitting on four points and Sri Lanka have already qualified with six points. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland in Pallekele, that's it. They will reach six points and Australia can't reach six points," Chopra observed.
Chopra Critics Australia’s Bowling Attack
Commenting on Australia’s poor bowling attack, Aakash Chopra was super critical while pinpointing the absence of the star pace trio.
"I have never seen an Australian bowling attack weaker than this in any World Cup. It is weak in capital letters because that trio of fast bowlers, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, all three are not there. Starc has retired and the other two are injured," he said.
With Australia’s fate now dependent on Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe vs Ireland match is scheduled to take place on February 17 at 3 PM IST. If Zimbabwe win against Ireland, Australia’s final game against Oman on February 20 at Pallekele will merely be a formality.
