Australia To Be Knocked Out Of T20 WC? How Can India Silence Marsh & Cummins' Co

Team Australia in T20 World Cup 2024 [AP]Team Australia in T20 World Cup 2024 [AP]

Australia, one of the premier teams in cricket, are just one trophy away from achieving the perfect 3 - winning three back-to-back ICC tournaments. However, in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, the Mitchell Marsh-led side faces a precarious situation following an unexpected defeat to Afghanistan, marking their first-ever loss against Afghanistan in international cricket.

In Group 1 - which includes India, Bangladesh, Australia, and Afghanistan - the standings are tight. India, currently undefeated, leads the group with 4 points, having secured victories over Afghanistan and Bangladesh. 

Australia, with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.155, are second in the group, but their path to the semifinals is far from secure.

Australia's fate hinges on their upcoming clash against India on June 24. A victory is imperative for the Aussies, but even that might not be enough. The result of the match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will also play a crucial role in determining the semifinalists from Group 1. 

If Australia lose to India, they will be out of the tournament, if the AFG vs BAN match ends in a washout. In that scenario, the Afghans will advance with 3 points from 4 matches. Conversely, a win for India would cement their position as group leaders with 6 points.


How can Australia qualify for Semifinals?

For Australia to progress, a win against India is essential, followed by a favourable outcome in the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match. If Afghanistan beat Bangladesh, the semifinal spot will be decided by NRR. 

Currently, Australia are better placed with an NRR of 0.223 compared to Afghanistan’s and Bangladesh’s lower standings. If Bangladesh wins, Australia will advance without needing to rely on NRR.

India's superior NRR of 2.425 means they are almost certain to progress. For them to be knocked out, both Australia and Afghanistan would need to secure victories by substantial margins. 

Australia would need to beat India by at least 41 runs, while Afghanistan would have to thrash Bangladesh by 83 runs.

In conclusion, Australia's semifinal hopes are on a knife-edge. A win against India and a favourable outcome in the other group match are crucial.