The dynamics of India’s group have changed with Afghanistan’s victory, and all four teams are still in the race for the semifinals.
Afghanistan achieved a historic victory against Australia in the T20 World Cup. Due to Afghanistan’s win, the composition of Group 1 in the Super 8s has completely changed. All four teams from this group are still in the race for the semifinals.
Afghanistan made a historic performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Australia by 21 runs. In the match played on Sunday, June 23 at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, Australia needed to chase 149 runs to win. However, their entire team managed to score only 127 runs in 19.5 overs.
The composition of Group-1 became interesting.
Afghanistan’s win against Australia has completely altered the composition of Group-1 in the Super 8s. All four teams from this group are still in the race for the semifinals. However, only two teams from this group will get a chance to advance to the semis. If Australia had defeated Afghanistan, both India and Australia would have reached the semifinals. But that was not the case. Afghanistan’s victory has also given Bangladesh a slight lifeline.
The scenario is quite simple for Team India. If the Indian team defeats Australia, they will reach the semifinals. A loss against Australia won’t affect them, as long as it’s not by a large margin. Currently, India’s net run rate is +2.425. If India suffers a significant defeat against Australia and Afghanistan wins against Bangladesh, then there is a possibility of India being knocked out. In such a situation, Australia and Afghanistan could surpass India based on net run rate.
Australia finds itself in a tough spot after losing to Afghanistan. Now, on June 24 in St. Lucia, the Australian team must defeat India. They will also need assistance from Bangladesh and hope that Bangladesh defeats Afghanistan in their final match. Australia currently has a net run rate of +0.223. If they lose to India, they will rely on Bangladesh’s support. In that case, if Bangladesh manages to defeat Afghanistan, there will be a tie among three teams with two points each, and the decision will be based on net run rate.
Afghanistan needs to defeat Bangladesh to reach the semifinals. They also need to hope that India defeats Australia. If Afghanistan loses to Bangladesh, they will rely on Australia losing to India by a significant margin. Afghanistan currently has a net run rate of -0.650. If Australia wins, Afghanistan will need to achieve a substantial victory against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh needs a miracle to qualify. Technically, they are still in the race. Bangladesh must achieve a significant victory against Afghanistan. They also need to hope that the Indian team defeats Australia. Bangladesh cannot advance ahead of India in any scenario now. Currently, Bangladesh has a net run rate of -2.489.
In the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s, there are two groups with 4 teams each. The top 2 teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Group-1 includes India, Bangladesh, Australia, and Afghanistan. On the other hand, Group-2 comprises West Indies, USA, South Africa, and the defending champion England.
Schedule of remaining matches in the T20 World Cup 2024:
June 23 – USA vs England, Barbados, 8:00 PM
June 24 – West Indies vs South Africa, Antigua, 6:00 AM
June 24 – Australia vs India, St. Lucia, 8:00 PM
June 25 – Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, St. Vincent, 6:00 AM
June 27 – Semifinal 1, Guyana, 6:00 AM
June 27 – Semifinal 2, Trinidad, 8:00 PM
June 29 – Final, Barbados, 8:00 PM
