The T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage has intensified. Afghanistan’s historic 21-run win over Australia has kept their chances of reaching the semifinals alive. There are plenty of permutations and combinations on how Afghanistan and Australia can reach the semifinal stage. There is also a bleak chance that Australia may knock India out of the tournament with a win in their last Super 8 game.
Let’s take a look at different permutations and combinations for Group 1 –
How Afghanistan can qualify
Afghanistan need to beat Bangladesh at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. But a win will not guarantee their spot in the last four. Since Australia will go up against India in St Lucia earlier in the day on June 24, they will get a fair idea of what exactly needs to be done to reach the semifinals.
If Australia lose to India, Rashid Khan’s men need to beat Bangladesh to advance. The margin of win will not matter as NRR will not come into play. If Australia beat India, Afghanistan will need to win by a big margin (which will be clear after the clash) to stay alive in the tournament.
Afghanistan can reach the semifinals even if they lose to Bangladesh. Their NRR is -0.650. Meanwhile, Australia's NRR is 0.223. If Australia lose to India by a big margin and Afghanistan don’t suffer a big defeat to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brigade, they will get the ticket to semifinals.
How Australia can qualify
Australia will hope to beat an unbeaten Indian side to stay alive in the tournament. Then, they will be dependent on Bangladesh to not let Afghanistan win. Even if Afghanistan win, Australia need the Rashid Khan-led side’s NRR to be lower than them.
Australia can qualify even if they lose to India. But they will hope that Bangladesh beat Afghanistan and their NRR remains superior to them.
How India can get knocked out
Given the form Indian team is, it may not seem practical but it is still one of the possibilities. Rohit Sharma-led India can get knocked out of the tournament if they lose to Australia by a big margin and Afghanistan beat Bangladesh comprehensively too. In such a scenario, Afghanistan and Australia can qualify for last four on the basis of superior NRR.
Bangladesh have a chance too
While Shakib Al Hasan has already accepted that they are not going to the semifinals, they have a very slim chance of reaching the semis. They will need a favour from India and beat Australia by a huge margin. Then, Bangladesh will need to ensure that they beat Afghanistan by the required margin to reach the semifinal with a better NRR.
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