Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup hopes hang by the finest of threads after losing to India in their last Super Eight’s match in St Lucia early on Tuesday morning (AEST).
Australia needs Bangladesh, winless in the tournament’s second round, to beat Afghanistan by less than 62 runs in the last Super Eights match later on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals with a superior run rate.
“Come on Bangladesh,” Australian captain Mitch Marsh joked during the after-match presentation.
Unbeaten in the tournament, India scored an imposing 5-205 to win by 24 runs, an innings built around a blazing 92 from captain Rohit Sharma in just 41 balls with seven fours and eight sixes.
The victory confirmed India’s place in the semi-finals with England and South Africa.
If Afghanistan wins, they will advance to the semi-finals with a second victory in the Super Eights. If Bangladesh wins, they will be equal on one victory from three Super Eight matches with Australia and Afghanistan. The semi-finalist will then be decided on run rate, with Australia ahead at the moment.
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Travis Head was Australia’s highest-scoring batter with 76 runs.Credit: AP
G’day cricket fans.
The game you’ve been waiting for is here: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan.
A blockbuster. Edge of your seat stuff.
Suddenly, the whole of Australia cares now. Dust off the Bangladesh flags.
Australia need Bangladesh to beat Afghanistan by less than 62 runs. If that happens, Australia progress to the semi-finals.
It’s certainly a chance.
Mitchell Marsh has had a disappointing T20 World Cup.Credit: Getty Images
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