Watch: Zimbabwe players erupt in emotional celebrations after sealing Super 8 spot in T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have done it! For the first time in the T20 World Cup's history, Zimbabwe have qualified for the knockouts. This time, they knocked out Australia in Group B by beating them in their previous game. Zimbabwe needed just a point to qualify for the Super 8 stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but since their match with Ireland was abandoned due to rain, they booked their seats in the Super 8. 

Having entered the contest late, Australia lost two matches against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, which led to their downfall. Moreover, this will surely be a competition to forget for the Men in Yellow since they were plagued with injuries in the first place. From group B, Australia, Oman, and Ireland are eliminated from the tournament. 

After the game was abandoned, the Zimbabwe players, along with the audience who were supporting them, were spotted singing and dancing. They were looking at each other and enjoying their moment since this is the first time they have qualified for the knockouts after failing to qualify for the tournament in the previous edition. 

Watch the video here:

Zimbabwe will now play against India, the West Indies, and South Africa in a group, and the top two teams will proceed to the semi-finals. The qualification race was quite interesting, with teams playing an incredible game of cricket throughout. 

When was the last time Australia were knocked out of World Cup knockout race?

Australia have been one of the best cricketing sides for many years. Having won several white-ball tournaments, they have set a standard unlike any other team. But this time, they are knocked out of the group stage, which is quite unfortunate. They started their tournament late but won their first game against Ireland. 

However, unexpected injury concerns loomed over their World Cup campaign from the start. If we look at Australia's history in white-ball cricket, typically in ICC tournaments, this is only the second time they have been knocked out of the group stage. Last time it happened back in 2009, when they finished the tournament in third position. 

The Men in Yellow last won an ICC event back in 2023 when they beat India in the ODI World Cup. Since then, they have struggled to win tournaments.