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Australia‘s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 came to an abrupt and disappointing end, and the aftermath has sparked a fiery exchange off the field. After the reigning 2021 champions were knocked out in the league stage, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif took a swipe with “mighty Aussies” — a remark that did not sit well with former Australia batter Damien Martyn.
Australia’s elimination was sealed when the crucial Group B fixture between Zimbabwe and Ireland was washed out due to persistent rain. The abandoned match confirmed that the Aussies would not progress to the Super 8 stage, marking only the second time in ten editions of the T20 World Cup that they failed to move past the group phase.
It was a tournament of missed opportunities for Australia. They began on a positive note with a comfortable win over Ireland, but successive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka left them hanging by a thread. Ultimately, the weather had the final say, forcing the team to pack their bags earlier than expected.
Mohammed Kaif questions Australia’s “mighty” tag following their early exit from T20 World Cup 2026
Taking to social media platform X, Kaif reflected on Australia’s recent ICC record since their 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. He suggested that the aura of invincibility surrounding the Australians had faded in recent years.
Kaif pointed out that since lifting the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Australia have not managed to clinch another ICC title. They reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy last year and finished runners-up in the 2025 World Test Championship final, but silverware eluded them.
He also revisited the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, claiming that had Hardik Pandya been available for India on that historic November evening, the result might have been different. The remark quickly caught attention, with fans debating whether Australia’s dominance is indeed waning or simply going through a temporary dip.
“Mighty Aussies they were called after winning the 2023 50-overs World Cup. After that they had a sharp fall. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they were not Mighty. If Hardik Pandya had played the Ahmedabad final in 2023, the Aussies would have lost there too,” Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Mighty Aussies they were called after winning the 2023 50-overs World Cup. After that they had a sharp fall. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Test Championship – they were not Mighty. If Hardik Pandya had played the Ahmedabad final in 2023, the Aussies would have…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 17, 2026
Damien Martyn’s calm but firm response
Martyn, who recently made a recovery after battling meningitis and being placed in an induced coma, responded with measured confidence. Rather than engaging in a war of words, he chose to highlight Australia’s long-standing supremacy in world cricket.
In his reply, Martyn acknowledged that no team can remain at the top forever but reminded critics that Australia’s trophy cabinet still tells a compelling story. His message was simple yet pointed — dynasties may experience dips, but they do not disappear overnight.
Notably, Australia remain the most successful team in ODI World Cup history, with six titles to their name. They have also won two Champions Trophy titles, one T20 World Cup, and one World Test Championship. Martyn’s response subtly emphasized that one disappointing tournament does not erase decades of excellence.
“Can’t be great forever. But the cabinet looks pretty good. It will turn again,” responded Martyn.
Can’t be great forever. But the cabinet looks pretty good. It will turn again.
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) February 18, 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
