Afghanistan have destiny in their own hands now. The Afghans are no longer the underdogs and are in a prime position to make the T20 World Cup semifinals. Having beaten sides like New Zealand in Group Stage and Australia two days ago in Super 8, Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan have the chance to reach their first-ever ICC semifinal.
Afghanistan and Australia are now tied with two points after India beat the Kangaroos by 24 runs in St Lucia. But, right now, Australia is still marginally ahead in the Group 1 points table on the basis of their net run rate (NRR). However, there are two ways in which Afghanistan can edge out Australia and face South Africa in T20 World Cup semifinal 1 on June 27.
Afghanistan T20 semifinal qualification scenario
- Defeat Bangladesh
- If Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match ends as a no result
All Afghanistan needs to do is beat Bangladesh. It doesn’t matter if they win by 1 run or 100. As long as they cross the finish line, they’ll make it to the semifinals. There is another way for them to meet South Africa on June 27. If the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match ends in a no result, Rashid Khan and co. will move ahead, as they would have more points than Australia and a better NRR than Bangladesh.
How can Afghanistan be knocked out of the T20 World Cup?
- Bangladesh Qualifies if they win by more than 61 runs or chase in 13 overs.
- Australia Qualifies if Bangladesh wins by less than 61 runs.
Bangladesh and Australia also have a chance to make it to the semifinals. For Australia to qualify, Bangladesh needs to beat Afghanistan by less than 61 runs. For Bangladesh to qualify, they need to win by more than 61 runs or chase down the total in 13 overs.
