Overview
- Australia were knocked out in the group stage for the first time since 2009 after losses that included defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
- Coach Andrew McDonald insisted the selected squad was good enough and said a forensic review will begin once the team returns home.
- Former greats and media questioned selection calls, with Glenn McGrath highlighting the absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and the already retired Mitchell Starc.
- Warning signs preceded the tournament as Australia lost all three warm-ups to Pakistan by 22, 90 and 111 runs, the last two their heaviest T20I defeats by runs.
- Calls for a rebuild focus on co-hosting the 2028 World Cup, with only Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett under 30 by then and limited T20 fixtures due to a heavy Test load and the 2027 ODI World Cup.