Dark clouds over Australia's T20 World Cup campaign: What if rain washes out Zimbabwe vs Ireland in Pallekele?

NEW DELHI: Australia’s players will be firmly in Ireland’s corner on Tuesday as the Lorcan Tucker-led side face Zimbabwe in their Group B clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.It has been a disastrous campaign for Australia in this marquee tournament, and their qualification hopes now hang by a thread. They must register a thumping win over Oman in their final group match and, at the same time, depend on both Sri Lanka and Ireland to defeat Zimbabwe to keep their slim chances alive. In fact, if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday, Australia will be eliminated even before they take the field against Oman in their last league fixture.Persistent showers have battered Pallekele, with the entire ground under covers. While forecasts suggest the weather could improve later in the day, the threat of a washout looms large.A no-result would be enough to send Zimbabwe through to the Super Eight stage and knock Australia out of contention. Zimbabwe currently have four points from two matches, and a washout would take them to five — a tally sufficient for qualification.Australia, meanwhile, sit on two points with just one game remaining. Even if they beat Oman to reach four points, it will not be enough should Zimbabwe secure that additional point.Australia began their campaign on a high with a 67-run victory over Ireland but then stumbled with back-to-back defeats — a 23-run loss to Zimbabwe followed by an eight-wicket hammering by Sri Lanka.For now, Australia will be hoping the rain stays away and that Ireland can pull off a win to keep their campaign alive.