How can Bangladesh qualify for semifinals of 2024 T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh still have a chance of making it to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals despite currently languishing at the bottom of the standings in Group 1 of the Super 8 round.
The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side has suffered losses to Australia and India and is yet to claim their maiden win in the Super 8 round. However, with Australia and Afghanistan also stuck at two points, Bangladesh could still finish in the top two of Group 1.
They will face Afghanistan at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown on Tuesday, June 25 (IST) in their final match of the Super 8 round. If Afghanistan win, they will advance to the semifinals, while Bangladesh and Australia will be eliminated.
For Bangladesh to qualify, they will need a big win over Afghanistan, given that their net run rate currently stands at -2.489 compared to Australia's -0.331. They will have to beat Afghanistan by more than 61 runs or chase the target within 13 overs. If Bangladesh win but fail to do so as per the aforementioned scenarios, Australia will qualify for the semifinals.
Bangladesh suffered a 50-run defeat to India in the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup
Bangladesh went down without a fight against India in their previous fixture of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Tigers won the toss and chose to field first.
The Men in Blue registered 196/5 in 20 overs at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, courtesy of Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 50-run knock and useful contributions from Virat Kohli (37), Rishabh Pant (36) and Shivam Dube (34).
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was the lone warrior for Bangladesh in the run chase, scoring 40 runs off 32 balls. They ultimately finished at 148/8 after 20 overs, losing the match by 50 runs. Kuldeep Yadav picked up a stunning three-wicket haul.
The Bangladeshi side will look to turn things around in their upcoming game against the spirited Afghanistan side, hoping to seal a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals.