Watch, ZIM vs IRE | Zimbabwe players join delighted fans after washout seals Super Eight qualification

‌Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2026 after their penultimate Group B game against Ireland was abandoned due to rain in Pallekele on Tuesday. After beating Oman and Australia in their first two games, all Zimbabwe needed was a point to ensure that they finished ahead of the mighty Aussies in the group proceedings.

And with both sides sharing points, it was bad news for Australia, who will not be able to finish in the top two even with a win in their final group game against Oman, as they exited the competition in the first round. However, the Zimbabwe players did not disappoint a handful of travelling fans who had gathered at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium to witness the historic moment.

Though the Sikandar Raza-led side would have loved to celebrate the qualification with a win, the inclement weather meant they had to be content with a point. And just as the umpires called off the game, the players gathered in the balcony of their dressing room and joined the delightful bunch who were singing and dancing with the Zimbabwe flag afloat.

The skipper himself led a chorus along with the chanting fans before players also entertained them with impromptu dance moves. The atmosphere and spirit of both the fans and the players made up for lost game time as the African unit was pitted alongside India, South Africa, and West Indies in the next round.

It's celebration time!