"Poetic justice" - Fans react as Australia are eliminated from 2024 T20 World Cup after Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh
Australia were officially eliminated from the race to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, June 25 (IST). They needed the result of the Super 8 match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan to go in their favour to qualify.
The Mitchell Marsh-led side finished with two points from three Super 8 matches with a net run rate of -0.331. They needed Bangladesh to chase down Afghanistan's 116-run target in 12.4 or more overs.
However, Afghanistan won in thrilling fashion, securing an eight-run win (DLS method) in the rain-marred encounter. With the win, Rashid Khan and Co. advanced to the semifinals, knocking out Australia and Bangladesh in the process.
Following the nail-biting encounter, several fans took to X to react to Australia's elimination. Here are some of the top reactions:
Many Indian fans also expressed their delight at Australia's elimination, given that the Aussies have been a thorn in India's flesh at ICC events in the recent past.
"Ye Australia ke eliminate hone par world cup jitne wali khushi kyo ho rahi hai (After Australia's elimination, why is there a happiness like wining the World Cup)," wrote a fan.
"Poetic justice!! Maxwell spoke about subcontinent teams and two subcontinent sides orchestrated Australia's end in the tournament," remarked another.
"Sorry Stoinis but Afghanistan have sent you off as well. Cricket, what a game, Afghanistan, what a story. What a World Cup!" chimed in yet another.
Australia started the Super 8 round with a 28-run win (DLS method) over Bangladesh. However, it was all downhill from there as they suffered back-to-back losses to Afghanistan and India.
South Africa and Afghanistan will square off on Wednesday, June 26, in the first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The second semi-final, featuring India and England, will be played on Thursday, June 27.
Australia ended their 2024 T20 World Cup with a 24-run defeat to India
Australia locked horns with India on Monday, June 24 in their final Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. A win in this fixture would have made them a top contender for a spot in the semifinals.
Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to field first. Team India skipper Rohit Sharma took the Australian bowlers to the cleaners right from the word go, scoring 92 runs off just 41 deliveries.
Useful contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (31), Shivam Dube (28) and Hardik Pandya (27*) helped the Men in Blue register 205/5 in 20 overs. Travis Head gave Australia hope with a 76-run knock.
However, it wasn't enough as Australia suffered a 24-run defeat, finishing at 181/7 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav bagged two scalps.