Why are Australia knocked out of 2024 T20 World Cup after Afghanistan’s win vs Bangladesh?
Former champions Australia have been shockingly knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup before the semi-final stage after Afghanistan's incredible eight-run win over Bangladesh on Monday, June 24. The Super Eight Group 1 opened up after the Afghans stunned Australia by 21 runs two days back.
It meant the Australia-India and the Afghanistan-Bangladesh clash were virtual quarterfinals for Australia and Afghanistan, respectively. However, Mitchell Marsh's outfit suffered a defeat to India by 24 runs earlier today.
This made the equation clear heading into the final Super Eight game between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. An Afghanistan win would take them through to the semi-final with India from the group. However, a loss would have seen Australia advance to the top four.
Ultimately, as the game ebbed and flowed, Afghanistan bowled Bangladesh out for 105 to complete an eight-run win. It took Afghanistan to second place with four points, while Australia remained on two points and stood eliminated from the tournament.
The result means Australia will not be able to hold all three ICC trophies and their wait for a second T20 World Cup title continues. As for Afghanistan, this will be their maiden appearance in the semi-final of an ICC event.
They will take on South Africa in Semi-final 1 in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 26.
"It's something like a dream for us as a team being in the semifinal" - Rashid Khan
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan could not hide the smile on his face after his side pulled off the improbable by qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals.
The Afghans defeated New Zealand in the group stages and finished second to advance to the Super Eights.
At the post-match presentation after Afghanistan's semi-final clinching win over Bangladesh, Rashid said:
"It's something like a dream for us as a team being in the semifinal. It's all about the way we have started the tournament. The belief came while we beat NZ. I don't have any words to describe the feeling. The only guy who put us in the semifinal was Brian Lara and we proved it right. I told him we won't let you down."
Rashid pulled off a performance for the ages in the crucial Bangladesh clash, scoring a 10-ball 19* and picking up figures of 4/23 in four overs.
Afghanistan also impressed in the ODI World Cup last year, winning four out of nine games to finish sixth in the ten-team race.