T20 World Cup Groups Explained: Who Can Reach Super 8
Australia posted 181 after a blistering start but were blown away by a sensational chase led by Pathum Nissanka, whose unbeaten century sealed Sri Lanka’s place in the Super 8s and left the former champions staring at an early exit.“It’s a devastated group. I think we’re in the lap of the gods right now with how it’s shaped,” Marsh said in a brutally honest assessment. “There’s a lot of emotion in the rooms right now. We haven’t been at our best … we’re a disappointed bunch at the moment.”
World Cup T20: India humbled Pakistan again
Great start, bitter endHalfway through their innings, Australia looked firmly in control. Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) powered their side to a commanding 110/2, setting the platform for a massive total. However, a dramatic collapse in pace followed as the Sri Lankan bowlers tightened the screws.“Well, I thought it was a competitive total at the half. There’s no doubt we probably left ourselves a few short after the start we had. So that’s disappointing,” admitted Marsh. “We know it’s within our power to score big. And we kind of lost our way towards the back-end there. We couldn’t develop a partnership and Sri Lanka played really well.”He added resignedly: “When we stepped down, we knew we were missing… nothing else to say, we were outplayed by Sri Lanka tonight.”Sri Lanka made Australia pay dearly. Nissan’s stunning 100 not out off just 52 balls turned the chase into a clinch as Australia’s bowlers had no answers on a night when everything seemed to have slipped away.The qualification hope hangs in the balanceThe defeat marked Australia’s second straight loss and left them in a precarious position in Group B. With just one win from three matches, their Super 8 hopes now hinge on other results – particularly the crucial clash between Zimbabwe and Ireland.Marsh admitted the team could only watch and hope.“We’re watching the Zimbabwe v Ireland game and we’re hoping… but yeah, we’re disappointed at the moment,” he said.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, right, with Nathan Ellis. (AP photo)
T20 World Cup: How Australia can still qualify for the Super 8s
The qualifying equation is tight and unforgiving.If Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday, Australia will be knocked out of the tournament. However, a win in Ireland will keep Australia’s hopes alive and open up a three-way battle for the remaining Super 8 spot.In this scenario, Zimbabwe’s final group match against Sri Lanka on February 19 will be decisive. A win for Zimbabwe over the co-hosts will take them into the Super 8s along with Sri Lanka and end Australia’s chances regardless of other results.But if Zimbabwe lose to Sri Lanka – and Ireland have already beaten Zimbabwe – then Zimbabwe and Ireland will finish on four points, bringing pure speed into play to determine the second qualifier from the group.Australia, who face Oman in their final match on February 20, will then enter the competition with a clear clean run equation. They will need a convincing win and a favorable swing in numbers to stay alive and secure a dramatic late qualification.