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 former champion Australia in a thrilling match. In Group 1, the Indian team has almost confirmed its place in the semi-finals by winning both the Super 8 matches so far. After the defeat against the Afghan team, Australia is now in danger of being eliminated from the World Cup.
Afghanistan team created a sensation by registering a win against Australia in a do or die match. After losing the toss, the team came out to bat and scored 148 runs for the loss of 6 wickets on the basis of fifties by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Australia team came out to chase the target and got all out for just 127 runs in front of the deadly bowling of Gulbadin Naib. After this defeat, the equation of the Kangaroo team for the semi-finals has deteriorated.
Australia may be out
India has played two matches in Super 8 so far and has won both. After defeating Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Team India has 4 points. Australia has scored 2 points after playing two matches with 1 loss and 1 win. Afghanistan lost its first Super 8 match to India but has scored 2 points by defeating Australia. Bangladesh has lost two matches and has to play its last Super 8 match against Afghanistan. Australia has to play its last match against India and if it loses there and Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh, then the Kangaroo team will be out.
Australia’s semifinal equation
Now if Australia wants to make it to the semi-finals, it will have to win against India at any cost and also pray that Bangladesh defeats Afghanistan. If Australia loses to India and Afghanistan also loses to Bangladesh, then the second team from Group 1 to reach the semi-finals will be decided on the basis of net run rate. India is at the top in net run rate, so its place is almost confirmed.
FIRST PUBLISHED : June 23, 2024, 14:03 IST