In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match, India defeated Australia by 24 runs, putting the latter’s semi-final hopes on thin ice. The high-stakes encounter, held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on June 24, saw Australia’s fate now hanging on the result of the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh game. Following the loss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh’s rallying cry, “Come on, Bangladesh,” captured the nation’s sentiments as they hope for a favourable outcome to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Australia’s Struggles Against Afghanistan
Before facing India, Australia suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of Afghanistan. Despite winning the toss and opting to bowl, Australia’s bowling unit initially struggled, allowing Afghanistan to build a solid 118-run opening stand. Pat Cummins, with his second hat trick of the tournament, and Adam Zampa‘s two-wicket haul, helped restrict Afghanistan to 148/6.
However, Australia’s batting lineup faltered, with key players like Travis Head, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh failing to deliver. Glenn Maxwell’s valiant effort of 59 runs wasn’t enough, as the team was bundled out for 127 runs, resulting in a 21-run defeat.
India vs. Australia: A Critical Clash
Against India, Australia’s bowlers initially showed promise by removing star batter Virat Kohli for a duck. But Indian captain Rohit Sharma‘s blistering 41-ball 92 set the tone for a high total of 205/5. Despite late efforts from Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis, who each took two wickets, India’s formidable batting lineup proved too strong.
In response, Travis Head led Australia‘s charge with a powerful 76 runs, but lack of support from other batsmen meant they fell short, finishing at 181/7. India’s bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, who bowled a tight spell of 1/14, stifled Australia’s chase, leading to a 24-run loss.
Mitchell Marsh’s Rallying Cry: “Come on, Bangladesh”
Post-match, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh expressed his disappointment but acknowledged India’s superior performance. “Disappointing. It happens in the game of cricket. In the course of 40 overs, there are a lot of small margins. India were the better team, Rohit is a class player,” Marsh stated.
Reflecting on the contributions of Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, Marsh added, “Gave us more belief than hope. In a run chase like that, if you keep it at 10 an over, we are in the game. India‘s bowlers were too good though in the end.”
With their semi-final hopes now dependent on the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match, Marsh openly supported Bangladesh. “Come on, Bangladesh now!” he exclaimed, hoping for a small margin victory that would secure Australia’s spot in the semi-finals.
The Road Ahead
Australia’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 now hinges on external factors. If Bangladesh manages to defeat Afghanistan by more than 61 runs or chase the target in under 13 overs, they will qualify, eliminating Australia alongside Afghanistan. Conversely, a smaller victory margin for Bangladesh will see Australia advance. However, if Afghanistan manage to win the game irrespective of the margin, they will qualify for the semis.
The looming threat of thunderstorms during the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match adds another layer of complexity. If the game is washed out, Afghanistan will proceed to the semi-finals due to their higher points, ending Australia’s campaign.
As cricket fans around the world watch the final Super 8 match with bated breath, Australian supporters will be particularly invested, hoping for a result that breathes new life into their World Cup aspirations.
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