New Delhi. A major upset was witnessed in the Super 8 of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday. Afghanistan made the semi-final race interesting by defeating former champions Australia in a thrilling encounter. In Group 1, the Indian team has almost secured their 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 getting out of the World Cup.
The Afghanistan team created a sensation by winning the do-or-die match against Australia. After losing the toss, the team put into bat scored 148 runs for the loss of 6 wickets on the basis of fifty centuries by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Chasing the target, the Australian team was bowled out for just 127 runs due to Gulbadin Naib’s lethal bowling. After this defeat, the semi-final equation of the Kangaroo team has deteriorated.
Australia may be out
India have played two matches in Super 8 so far and have won both. After defeating Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Team India has reached 4 points. While after playing two matches, Australia has 2 points from 1 loss and 1 win. Afghanistan team lost the first match of Super 8 against India but after defeating Australia they have gained 2 points. Bangladesh team has lost two matches and has to play the last Super 8 match against Afghanistan. Australia has the last match to play against India and if they lose there and Afghanistan beat Bangladesh, the Kangaroos will be out.
Australia’s semi-final tie
Now, if the Australian team wants to make it to the semi-finals, they will have to win against India at any cost and also pray that the Bangladesh team defeats Afghanistan. If the Australian team loses against India and the Afghanistan team also loses the match against Bangladesh, then the team that reaches the second semi-final of Group 1 will be decided on the basis of net run rate. India leads in net run rate, so its position is almost certain.
First published: June 23, 2024, 14:03 IST