New Delhi: Zimbabwe national cricket team sealed a place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B match against Ireland national cricket team at Pallekele was washed out due to rain.
With the match abandoned without a ball being bowled, both teams were awarded one point each. The shared point took Zimbabwe’s tally to five, enough to secure qualification for the next round. The result knocked former champions Australia national cricket team and Ireland out of the tournament.
Zimbabwe became the seventh team to qualify for the Super 8 stage. They will now be part of Group G1 alongside India national cricket team, South Africa national cricket team and West Indies cricket team. Zimbabwe are scheduled to face India in Chennai on February 26.
Before that, Zimbabwe will play their final group-stage fixture against hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team on February 19. Sri Lanka have already qualified for the Super 8 stage with six points.
Australia, who suffered defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, were left with just two points and were hoping Zimbabwe would lose their remaining matches. However, persistent rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium dashed those hopes. The toss was delayed and the ground remained under covers for an extended period, with a wet outfield preventing any play.
