In a shocking upset on the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan clinched victory over Australia by a margin of 21 runs, altering the panorama of qualification in Group 1. This win positioned Afghanistan strongly to safe their first-ever spot within the semifinals of the T20 World Cup, whereas Australia faces uncertainty transferring ahead.
Afghanistan’s dominance and Australia’s challenges
Electing to bowl first after profitable the toss, Australia aimed to take advantage of a pitch the place groups batting first had struggled. Regardless of a gradual begin, Afghanistan’s opening duo Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran cast a formidable partnership of 118 runs. Nevertheless, Pat Cummins’ historic hat-trick sparked a collapse, proscribing Afghanistan to 148/6 by the top of their innings.
In response, Australia’s chase faltered early with Travis Head departing for zero and Mitchell Marsh persevering with his poor kind. Whereas Glenn Maxwell’s resilient 59 saved Australia’s hopes alive, wickets fell at common intervals. Gulbadin Naib’s distinctive bowling figures (4/20) sealed Australia’s destiny as they have been dismissed for 127 runs, marking an important defeat.
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Australia’s path to qualification
Following their loss to Afghanistan, Australia discover themselves in a precarious place. To safe a spot within the semifinals, Australia should defeat India of their upcoming match on June 24 in St. Lucia. Moreover, they require Bangladesh to defeat Afghanistan of their conflict. Regardless of a present web run-rate of 0.223, Australia’s qualification hopes hinge on these outcomes.
Afghanistan’s path to the semifinals
Buoyed by their sturdy performances, Afghanistan now search to capitalize on their momentum. They have to overcome Bangladesh and hope for India to defeat Australia to cement their place within the semifinals. Alternatively, in the event that they lose to Bangladesh, Afghanistan should win convincingly and depend on India to limit Australia, enhancing their present web run-rate of -0.65.
