How India can eliminate Australia and qualify for T20 World Cup semifinal after Afghanistan's victory: All scenarios explained
PTC News Desk: Afghanistan experienced a sense of déjà vu in Kingstown on Sunday as Australia's pursuit was spearheaded by Glenn Maxwell in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match. The same Australian batter, more than six months prior, had prevented Afghanistan from winning the 2023 ODI World Cup with a record-breaking double century.
However, Afghanistan defeated the threat in a moment of magic caused by Noor Ahmad and Gulbadin Naib, and everything fell apart for Australia. Afghanistan secured an incredible 21-run victory, with Naib taking four wickets and making a spectacular catch to dismiss Ashton Agar. The 2021 champions were folded for just 127 runs.
Australia's run of eight victories in T20 World Cups came to an end with this, their first defeat in six international meetings against Afghanistan. Afghanistan's victory also eliminated India's hopes of qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals, leaving the Australians in a vulnerable position in Super Eight Group 1.
How will Australia vs. Afghanistan be handled in Group 1 of the Super Eight in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
With two victories in two games, India leads the table. Additionally, their net run rate (NRR) is superior, at 2.425. Australia has won two of their games and is currently ranked second in the rankings, despite their loss to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has also had a similar run thus far, however they are currently ranked third because of a lower NRR than the Australians. Bangladesh, who have lost both of their games, are still at the bottom of the standings.
Group 1 of the Super Eight's T20 World Cup semifinal qualification scenario
India: With their higher net run rate, they are almost guaranteed to get to the T20 World Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year. Even a draw would advance India to the tournament's penultimate round, but a loss to Australia on Monday in Gros Islet is unlikely to hurt their chances unless the Mitchell Marsh-led team triumphs handily to offset the NRR factor and Afghanistan also defeats the number in their victory over Bangladesh.
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In terms of math, India's only mathematical chance of missing out on a semifinal position is if Australia and Afghanistan win their last games by a combined total of more than 120 runs.
Afghanistan and Australia: Following their defeat to Afghanistan, the Australians now have a crucial match against India on Monday. Australia must defeat India handily in order to ensure their spot in the semifinals, and they must then anticipate Afghanistan's defeat by Bangladesh. Rashid Khan's team will have the advantage to oppose the Australians on the NRR factor because they are playing in the Super Eight's last Group 1 match.
While the Australians' victory and a loss would guarantee them a spot in the semifinals for the first time, a victory for the defending champions might see them competing for NRR.
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- With inputs from agencies
