New Delhi. A big upset was seen in the Super 8 of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday. Afghanistan made the semi-final race interesting by defeating the former champion Australian team in a thrilling match. In Group 1, the Indian team has almost confirmed its place in the semi-finals by winning both the matches of Super 8 so far. After the defeat against the Afghan team, Australia is now in danger of being out of the World Cup.
Afghanistan team created a sensation by registering victory against Australia in a do or die match. After losing the toss, the team came to bat and scored 148 runs at the loss of 6 wickets on the basis of fifties from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Chasing the target, the Australian team was all out for just 127 runs due to the lethal bowling of Gulbadin Naib. After this defeat, the equation of Kangaroo team’s semi-final has deteriorated.
Australia may be out
India has played two matches so far in Super 8 and has won both. After defeating Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Team India has 4 points. Whereas, after playing two matches, Australia has scored 2 points from 1 loss and 1 win. Afghanistan team had lost the first Super 8 match to India but after defeating Australia, it has gained 2 points. Bangladesh team has lost two matches and has to play the last Super 8 match against Afghanistan. Australia has to play the last match against India and if it loses there and Afghanistan beats Bangladesh then the Kangaroo team will be out.
Australia’s semi-final equation
Now, if the Australian team wants to make it to the semi-finals, then it will have to win against India at any cost and will also have to pray that the Bangladesh team defeats Afghanistan. If the Australian team loses to India and the Afghanistan team also loses the match to Bangladesh, then the team reaching the second semi-final of Group 1 will be decided on the basis of net run rate. India is at the forefront in net run rate, hence its place is almost certain.
FIRST PUBLISHED: June 23, 2024, 14:03 IST
