KANDY: Australia cricket team are on the brink of an early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka national cricket team in Kandy, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on other results and a major improvement in net run rate.
The loss was Australia’s second successive setback in the group stage, following a surprise defeat to the Zimbabwe national cricket team earlier in the tournament. Sri Lanka’s victory, their third in as many matches, secured a place in the Super Eights.
Australia must now beat the Oman national cricket team convincingly and rely on Zimbabwe losing both remaining fixtures — against Ireland cricket team and Sri Lanka — to remain in contention.
“There’s still a chance,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh told reporters, acknowledging the team’s difficult position.
Australia’s struggles have been compounded by the absence of frontline pacers, with Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals and injuries sidelining Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The supporting attack led by Nathan Ellis has failed to make an impact, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa went wicketless in defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Australia’s batting also faltered against spin, collapsing after an opening stand between Marsh and Travis Head. Middle-order players Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David failed to reach double figures in both losses.
The situation has revived memories of previous tournaments in which Australia exited early and the Pakistan national cricket team went on to win the title, including the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. On both occasions, the India national cricket team were defending champions — a scenario repeated in the current competition.