T20 World Cup: Rain ends Ireland and Australia’s Super 8s hopes after Irish Group B match against Zimbabwe

Both Ireland and Australia were eliminated from the T20 World Cup as rain prevented play in the Group B match between the Irish and Zimbabwe at Pallekele Cricket Ground in Kandy.

Zimbabwe’s surprise win over Australia left them needing just one point on Tuesday to qualify for the quarter-finals, with the game essential for Ireland to retain any hope of qualifying.

Australia, who suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka on Monday, were also banking on Ireland’s win to remain in the hunt for the next stage.

But as rain continued to fall in Kandy, the match was abandoned with Ireland and Zimbabwe each getting one point.

That leaves Zimbabwe on five points and Ireland – whose four-match campaign is completed – on three, while Australia have two points and just one game to play against Oman on Friday (13:30 GMT) and are now a dead rubber.

“It’s very disappointing to go out like this but it’s completely uncontrollable,” Ireland reserve captain Lorcan Tucker said.

He added: “It seemed like we were building momentum after the win over Oman, but unfortunately it came too late.

“I think when we look back there were moments, especially in the first game against Sri Lanka, that we didn’t get it right. It wasn’t the case – we started a little slower than we wanted to.

“Our group gained great experience from the tournament, for many it was their first World Cup. It is really competitive and shows the pressure that elite cricketers are under.

“Those big moments are how you deal with them and process them. Hopefully we can have big moments in the next two years and prepare well for the next tournament.”

Zimbabwe will take on Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday (09:30 GMT) with the winner topping Group B, but both are guaranteed a place in the next stage of the tournament.