Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday after their final Group B hopes were washed away in Pallekele. The crucial clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain, a result that officially knocked Australia out of the tournament.
Mitchell Marsh’s side needed Ireland to defeat Zimbabwe to keep their semifinal chances alive. But with no result possible, the former champions were forced to pack their bags and head home early.
While the rain sealed their fate, Australia had already put itself in a precarious position. Losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka proved costly, undoing the momentum from their opening win over Ireland on February 11. A defeat to Zimbabwe followed on February 13, and their must-win encounter against Sri Lanka on February 16 ended in a convincing loss.
As Australia’s exit was confirmed, Iceland Cricket took to social media to troll the 2021 champions — particularly over their puzzling handling of Steve Smith.
In one of the tournament’s most baffling decisions, Australia flew Smith in from home ahead of the do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka but did not include him in the playing XI. The move raised eyebrows, especially considering Smith’s recent form.
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Iceland Cricket posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The best thing about the T20 World Cup for Steve Smith was the airport duty-free. We would treat him better, with a statue and a lifetime supply of free cod. Sometimes, your best assets get forgotten.”
The best thing about the T20 World Cup for Steve Smith was the airport duty free. We would treat him better, with a statue and a lifetime supply of free cod. Sometimes, your best assets get forgotten.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 17, 2026
Smith had been drafted into the squad as a replacement for injured pacer Josh Hazlewood. However, despite arriving before the crucial fixture, he never featured in a single match and did not face a ball in the tournament.
His omission was even more surprising given his outstanding Big Bash League 2025–26 season, where he scored 299 runs in six matches for the Sydney Sixers at a strike rate close to 170.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted the mood in the dressing room was grim following the Sri Lanka defeat.
“It’s a devastated group,” Marsh said. “We’re in the lap of the Gods now, I think, with the way it’s shaped up. There are a lot of emotions in the rooms right now. We haven’t been at our best.”
Ultimately, Australia’s fate was no longer in their hands — and when the rain arrived in Pallekele, their campaign was officially over.
