Australia‘s campaign T20 World Cup 2026 came to an abrupt and disappointing end, resulting in heated exchanges off the pitch. Former Indian cricketer after the reigning champions lost in the league stage in 2021 Muhammad Kaif took a swipe at the “mighty Aussies” – a remark that didn’t sit well with the former Australian tendency Damien Martyn.
Australia’s elimination was sealed in a crucial Group B encounter Zimbabwe and Ireland The water was washed away by the incessant rain. The abandoned match confirmed that the Australians would not progress to the Super 8 stage and marked only the second time in ten editions of the T20 World Cup that they have failed to make it past the group stage.
It was a tournament of missed opportunities for Australia. They started on a positive note with a comfortable win over Ireland but back-to-back defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka left them hanging by a thread. Eventually, the weather had the last word, forcing the team to pack their bags earlier than expected.
Mohammad Kaif questions Australia’s ‘powerhouse’ tag after early exit from T20 World Cup 2026.
Taking to social media platform X, Kaif reflected on the latest ICC record since Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. He suggested the aura of invincibility surrounding Australians had faded in recent years.
Kaif pointed out that after lifting the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Australia failed to win another ICC title. They reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy last year and finished as runners-up in the final of the 2025 World Test Championship, but silverware eluded them.
He said, claiming to be rewatching the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad Hardik Pandya had that date been available for India on a November evening, the result might have been different. The comment quickly attracted attention, with fans debating whether Australia’s lead had really waned or whether it was just a temporary slump.
“The Mighty Aussies were called after winning the 50-over World Cup in 2023. After that, they fell off sharply. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they weren’t Mighty. Hardik Pandya Ahmedabad final, Aussies would lose there in 2023” Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Mighty Aussies were called up after winning the 50-over World Cup in 2023. After that, they experienced a sharp decline. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they were not Mighty. Had Hardik Pandya played in the Ahmedabad final in 2023, the Australians…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 17, 2026
Damien Martyn’s calm but firm response
Having recently recovered from a bout with meningitis and being placed in a coma, Martyn responded with measured confidence. Instead of engaging in a war of words, he chose to highlight Australia’s long-standing dominance in world cricket.
In response, Martyn acknowledged that no team can stay at the top forever, but reminded critics that Australia’s trophy cabinet still tells a compelling story. His message was simple but remarkable – dynasties may fall, but they don’t disappear overnight.
Notably, Australia remains the most successful team in the history of the ODI World Cup with six titles. They have also won two Champions Trophy, one T20 World Cup and one World Test Championship. Marty’s response subtly emphasized that one disappointing tournament does not erase decades of excellence.
“It can’t be forever. But the cabinet looks pretty good. Will be back again.” Martyn replied.
It cannot be great forever. But the cabinet looks very good. Will be back again.
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) February 18, 2026
