Australia crash out of T20 World Cup 2026; Former Aussie batsman blames these factors for early exit

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment on Tuesday after a rain-abandoned Group B clash between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Pallekele confirmed their exit. Mitchell Marsh’s side bowed out of the tournament in the group stage, marking another setback for the 2021 champions.

Campaign Undone Before It Began

According to former Australian batter Mark Waugh, the seeds of Australia’s downfall were sown well before the tournament got underway. Injuries to key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood disrupted the squad balance, while selection decisions further compounded the problems.

Waugh was particularly critical of the handling of Steve Smith. Despite strong performances in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers, Smith was initially overlooked by selectors. He was only drafted into the squad at the last moment as a replacement for Hazlewood ahead of the must-win match against Sri Lanka, but did not make the playing XI.

“I think the whole campaign was doomed from the get-go with selection issues and injuries,” Waugh said on SEN radio. He described Smith’s omission as baffling and criticised the decision to leave a player of his calibre on the sidelines.

Rain Seals Australia’s Fate

After losing to Sri Lanka, Australia’s hopes rested on Ireland defeating Zimbabwe. However, the washout allowed Zimbabwe to move ahead on points, rendering Australia’s final game against Oman meaningless.

This marks only the second time Australia have exited in the group stage of a T20 World Cup, the first being in 2009. Having also missed the semi-finals in the previous two editions, the latest exit raises serious questions about selection strategy and planning.

For a team with a proud T20 pedigree, Australia’s early departure signals a campaign that never truly found its footing.