Can Australia Still Qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal After Losing to India?

Australia received a significant blow to their T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final hopes after a 24-run defeat to India in their last Super 8 match at the Daren Sammy International Cricket Stadium. This loss has complicated their path to the semifinals, making their qualification prospects uncertain. Not only this but the defeat has also left the fans with one question: Can Australia still qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal after losing to India?

India’s emphatic victory ensured their progression from Group 1, leaving the second spot up for grabs among Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The upcoming clash between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will determine which of these teams will advance to the semifinals.

Afghanistan have a straightforward path: a win against Bangladesh will secure their spot in the semifinals. The situation for Bangladesh, however, is more complex. To qualify, Bangladesh must win by at least 62 runs if they bat first. If they bowl first, they need to chase specific targets within limited overs—110 runs in 12 overs, 130 runs in 12.2 overs, and so on.

Here is how can Australia still qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal

Australia’s hopes hinge on a Bangladesh victory by a smaller margin. If Bangladesh wins by exactly 61 runs, both Australia and Bangladesh will have identical Net Run Rates. In this scenario, Australia would qualify due to their head-to-head victory over Bangladesh in the Super 8.

India’s performance against Australia showcased their batting prowess and strategic acumen. Batting first, India posted an imposing 205/5, with Rohit Sharma playing a sensational innings of 92 off just 41 balls, supported by Suryakumar Yadav’s rapid 31 off 16 deliveries. Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, with Mitchell Starc conceding 45 runs and Marcus Stoinis 56 runs, although both managed to take two wickets each. Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for Australia, delivering an economical spell of 1/14 in four overs.

In response, Australia started strong, with Travis Head scoring 76 off 43 balls and Mitchell Marsh adding 37 off 28. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions. Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in restricting Australia’s chase. Singh took 3 wickets for 37 runs in his four overs, while Yadav claimed 2 wickets for 24 runs.

This defeat has left Australia in a precarious position, reliant on the outcome of the Afghanistan-Bangladesh match. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this clash, which will ultimately determine Australia’s fate in the tournament.

It must be noted that India will now play England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup on June 27 at Guyana’s Providence Stadium.