Sri Lanka’s convincing victory over Australia has shaken up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 points table, leaving the defending giants on the verge of an early exit. With the group stage nearing its end, the race for the Super 8 is heating up across all four groups.
Australia’s hopes are now hanging by a thread after suffering another defeat in Group B, this time against co-hosts Sri Lanka, who have sealed their Super 8 qualification with a perfect record.
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Sri Lanka seal Super 8 spot, Australia in danger
Sri Lanka continued their impressive run in the tournament with a comfortable chase of 182 against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a stunning unbeaten century off just 52 balls, while Kusal Mendis supported him with a solid 51. The partnership ensured Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, maintaining their unbeaten run in Group B.
With three wins from three matches, Sri Lanka now sit comfortably at the top of Group B with six points and a strong net run rate, becoming one of the first teams to confirm a Super 8 berth.
For Australia, however, the situation looks grim. They have managed just one win in three matches and sit on two points. Even if they win their final group game against Oman, they can reach only four points — a total that may not be enough to qualify.
Australia’s fate depends on other results
Australia’s qualification scenario now depends heavily on other results. Zimbabwe, currently second in Group B with two wins from two matches, play Ireland next and then Sri Lanka in their final fixture.
If Zimbabwe manage to win even one of those two games, Australia will be knocked out of the tournament. The five-time champions had already been shocked earlier by Zimbabwe in Colombo, a result that put them under pressure heading into the Sri Lanka clash.
Australia’s recent T20 form has also been under scrutiny. The team has won just one of its last nine T20 internationals and entered the World Cup after a 3-0 series loss to Pakistan.
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Group A standings: India dominate
India remain the standout team in Group A, topping the table with three wins from three matches and a strong net run rate of 3.05. They have already secured their place in the Super 8.
The United States are currently second with four points from four games, while Pakistan sit third with four points from three matches and remain in contention for qualification.
Netherlands and Namibia are struggling at the bottom, with Namibia already eliminated.
Group B standings: Tight race for second spot
Sri Lanka lead Group B with six points and a confirmed Super 8 spot. Zimbabwe are in a strong position with four points from two matches and a healthy net run rate.
Australia and Ireland both have two points from three matches each, but their chances depend on Zimbabwe’s remaining games. Oman have been eliminated after losing all three matches.
Group C standings: England and West Indies through
West Indies and England have both qualified from Group C with six points each. West Indies top the table with a superior net run rate, while England follow closely behind.
Scotland and Italy still have slim hopes depending on other results, but Nepal have been eliminated.
Group D standings: South Africa lead
South Africa remain unbeaten in Group D with three wins and six points, confirming their Super 8 qualification. New Zealand are second with four points and are well placed to advance.
Afghanistan and UAE still have outside chances, while Canada sit at the bottom without a win.
Super 8 race intensifies
With several group matches still to be played, the battle for the remaining Super 8 spots is getting tighter. Sri Lanka, India, West Indies, England and South Africa have already booked their places, while teams like Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Pakistan are in strong positions.
Australia, once considered title contenders, now face an anxious wait as their campaign depends on results elsewhere. The coming days promise high-stakes cricket as teams push for a place in the next stage of the T20 World Cup 2026.
