Australia face early exit threat after defeat to Sri Lanka in T20 WC

Australia are on the brink of crashing out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after suffering an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in Kandy, a result that has left their qualification chances dependent on multiple outcomes and a sharp improvement in net run rate.

The loss marked Australia’s second consecutive setback in the group stage, following an earlier shock defeat to world No 11 Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka’s victory, their third in as many matches, secured their place in the Super Eights stage.

Australia now face a difficult path forward. They must rely on Zimbabwe losing both of their remaining fixtures — against Ireland and Sri Lanka — while also needing to beat Oman convincingly to significantly boost their net run rate.

“There’s still a chance,” captain Mitchell Marsh told reporters. “But yeah, what do you say? The luck of the Irish.”

The defeats have also highlighted Australia’s struggles in the absence of their frontline fast bowlers. With Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals and Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined through injury, this is Australia’s first World Cup in more than a decade without at least one of their famed pace trio.

The replacement seamers, led by Nathan Ellis, have failed to make an impact, while veteran leg-spinner Adam Zampa has endured wicketless outings against both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Australia’s batting has also faltered badly against spin. Despite a rapid opening stand of 104 runs in 8.3 overs between Marsh and Travis Head against Sri Lanka, the innings collapsed dramatically, with the side losing 10 wickets for just 77 runs.

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Middle-order batters Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David have been unable to contribute, failing to reach double figures in either defeat.

The precarious position has revived memories of past tournaments where Australia were eliminated in the group stage and Pakistan went on to lift the trophy, including the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Notably, India were the defending champions in both those events — a coincidence repeated in the current tournament.