Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, T20 World Cup: It’s raining cats and dogs in St Vincent currently. The T20 World Cup is set for a dramatic climax as rain threatens to disrupt the crucial match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Australia’s unlikely path to the semi-finals rests solely on a specific outcome in this contest.
Scenario for Australia
Australia, with just one win in the group stage, needs Bangladesh to chase Afghanistan’s modest target of 116 runs in more than 12.1 overs. This seemingly improbable scenario would see the former champions sneak into the final four with a negative net run rate.
What if Afghanistan vs Bangladesh is washed out ?
This will mean only one thing, that Afghanistan will enter the T20 World Cup semi-final, knocking out Bangladesh and Australia in the process. The washed out match due to rain or wet outfield will result in ICC abandoning the match which will provide one point each to Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
This will mean that Afghans will have 3 points against their name in Group 1, slotting them above Australia and entering the T20 WC semis.
Bangladesh Opportunity
However, the equation changes drastically if rain forces a shortened game. If Bangladesh chase down the target in less than 12.1 overs (assuming 20 overs are bowled), their superior net run rate would propel them to their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final appearance.
Rain Factor in Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
The current downpour at the start of the Bangladesh innings throws another twist into the mix. A complete washout would automatically knock out both Australia and Bangladesh, handing Afghanistan a semi-final berth by virtue of a single point awarded for an abandoned match.
Afghanistan strong start, Bangladesh strong response
Earlier, Afghanistan, after winning the toss, posted a total of 115/5 on the board. Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership – a historic feat in the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back restricting the run rate and picking up crucial wickets just as Afghanistan needed to accelerate.
Will rain decide T20 World Cup semi-final fate?
With the match hanging in the balance and Australia’s fate resting on the outcome, all eyes are on the weather. Will the rain relent and allow for a thrilling chase, or will it wash away the hopes of two teams and pave the way for an unexpected semi-finalist? Only time will tell.
Editors pick
