Via Australia (Photo: PTI)

Australia chances in T20 World Cup: After the 8-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka, everyone is talking about Australia being out of the T20 World Cup 2026. But, this may not happen. The Australian team, which currently seems to be on the verge of being out of the tournament, may be seen reaching the Super-8 instead of going out. There are two big reasons for us saying this. One Ireland has a 100 percent winning record against Zimbabwe and Second Sri Lanka also insists on not losing to Zimbabwe in the ICC tournament. Meaning, the same Sri Lanka which spoiled Australia's work can now be seen making it worse.

The first reason for Australia not being able to go out

Now you might be wondering how Ireland had a 100 percent win record against Zimbabwe? If played, these two teams have played 18 T20I matches against each other, out of which both the teams have won 8-8 times, while 2 matches have been inconclusive. In this situation the percentage of victory was 50-50. Then where did this talk of 100 percent victory come from? So sir, we are not talking about the overall record between Ireland and Zimbabwe in T20 International. We are just looking at the statistics of those matches which are important from Australia's point of view and Ireland has the upper hand in that.

Zimbabwe did not win against Ireland on Asian pitches

After defeat by Sri Lanka, Australia can be out of T20 World Cup 2026 only if Zimbabwe wins? But, Zimbabwe will win only if it is able to defeat Ireland. The reason behind this is Ireland's 100 percent record against Zimbabwe on Asian pitches. This will be the second time in T20 International that Ireland and Zimbabwe will compete on the Asian pitch. Earlier, in a match played, Ireland had defeated Zimbabwe. Now if Ireland maintains that record then the Australian team is not going to be eliminated on 17th February.

Another reason for Australia not being able to go out

Meaning then all eyes will be focused on the match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to be held on 19th February. In that case, Australia will be happy to hear that in the history of ICC tournament, Sri Lankan team has not lost to Zimbabwe till date. There has been a clash between the two in ICC tournaments 9 times and every time the victory has been in the name of Sri Lanka. There have also been 2 matches of T20 World Cup, in which Sri Lanka has defeated Zimbabwe.

The equation of Super-8 of Australia and Zimbabwe

After the defeat by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe is a big obstacle in Australia's path to Super-8. He just has to win one of his next two matches and his job will be done. At the same time, it is important for Australia that Zimbabwe loses both its matches on 17th and 19th February and then wins the match against Oman on 20th February.