Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis, left, shatters the stumps to get Australia's Adam Zampa run out during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. (AP Photo)
While a lot of attention was on Group D as Group of Death, featuring Afghanistan, New Zealand and South Africa, it is mighty Australia are in real danger of exiting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup before the Super Eights from Group B. Hit by injuries and batting struggles, Australia lost their second match in Group B clash against Zimbabwe, thoroughly outplayed by Sikandar Raza’s side for most part of the match in Colombo. And as Pathum Nissanka smashed a sensational century in Pallekele, Australia are on the brink of an early departure… but not quite eliminated yet.
Australia faced a must-win situation in Pallekele against Dasun Shanka’s co-hosts. With Mitch Marsh back in the side Australia posted 181, making it a fascinating run-chase in prospect for Sri Lanka. Nissanka then came up with the first century of this edition, that saw Sri Lanka qualify for Super 8s.
What are the standings now in Group B after SL vs AUS?
Sri Lanka have qualified with three wins in three matches with an excellent Net Run Rate of +2.462. Zimbabwe’s wins against Oman and Australia also puts them on four points from two matches, with a solid NRR of +1.984. Australia, meanwhile, beat Ireland in the opener and then lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, to be on two points and a NRR of +0.414.
After Australia’s defeat against Sri Lanka, here’s what their group looks like
Do Australia still have a chance to qualify for Super 8s?
Australia are not mathematically, and not instantly, out of the tournament. Australia remain alive, partly because they play Oman in the last match of this Group B on February 20. It is fair to assume Australia will beat Oman, and do so comfortably, knowing what the margin they need to win by would be.
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Ireland vs Zimbabwe on February 17 and Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe on February 19 will go a long way in deciding this group.
Australia now can only reach a maximum of four points and would need Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka. It would put Sri Lanka on 8 points and leave three teams – Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland – on four points each.
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