Cricket’s giants don’t always conquer. Australia’s elimination from T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 contention via a rain-hit Ireland-Zimbabwe draw is just the latest chapter in a saga of six playoff misses.
Zimbabwe pipped them in Group B, turning the tables on the Baggy Greens. Let’s delve into the heartbreak timeline that has plagued this dominant side.
2009 was rock bottom—no victories. West Indies chased down effortlessly (seven wickets), Sri Lanka followed suit (six wickets). Group stage wipeout.
2014’s Group 2: Sole win amid chaos. Pakistan edged them by 16 runs, West Indies by six wickets, India demolished (73 runs). Bangladesh fell (seven wickets), but playoffs remained elusive.
2016 rollercoaster in Group 2. Narrow eight-run defeat to New Zealand, then triumphs over Bangladesh (three wickets) and Pakistan (21 runs). India’s six-wicket masterclass ended dreams.
2022 dominance faltered. Four wins—New Zealand (89 runs), Sri Lanka (seven wickets), Ireland (42), Afghanistan (four)—ruined by rain vs England and inferior NRR.
2024 shone bright initially. Group B clean sweep: Oman (39), England (36), Namibia (nine wickets), Scotland (five). Super 8: Bangladesh win (DLS 28 runs), but Afghanistan (21-run shock) and India (24 runs) crushed semis.
2026 woes: Ireland win (67 runs), but Zimbabwe (23-run loss) and Sri Lanka (eight wickets) hurt. Rain between rivals confirmed exit. These moments reveal T20’s chaos even for elites.