Former champions Australia were eliminated from the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka on Tuesday while Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Eight stage of the tournament after their match against Ireland was abandoned due to persistent rain in Pallekele.
The washout means Zimbabwe get one point, putting them second in Group B on five points, one behind leaders Sri Lanka, who beat Australia by eight wickets on Monday to secure their place in the next stage.
Zimbabwe stunned 2021 champions Australia by 23 runs last week, repeating their feat from the inaugural edition of the tournament 19 years ago, to leave the Australians in a precarious position.
The toss scheduled for 14:30 local time (0900 GMT) had to be delayed with the covers still on at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, before officials ruled three hours later that no play would be possible.
Meanwhile, Ireland concluded their campaign with one win, two defeats and one no result from four matches, finishing with three points.
It is pertinent to mention that Zimbabwe have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, winning their first two group-stage matches against Oman and Australia.
In their opener, the Chevrons restricted Oman to 103, comfortably chasing the target in 13.3 overs while losing just two wickets.
In their second match against Australia, Zimbabwe posted 169-2 in 20 overs, setting a target of 170. Australia fell short, being bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, handing Zimbabwe a 23-run victory.
For the unversed, Zimbabwe, led by Raza, will now face Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match on Thursday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
