Rohit Sharma and Co. have booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Guyana after a dominant 24-run victory over defending champions Australia on Monday. However, the game has not ended for the Aussies yet, who remain on the brink of an early exit.
India put up an imposing total of 205/5 thanks to a career-best 92 from captain Rohit. Arshdeep Singh then provided the breakthrough in the first over itself to dismiss dangerous opener David Warner. Travis Head steadied the ship along with skipper Mitchell Marsh and Glen Maxwell but quality bowling efforts from Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya derailed the Aussie chase. Head’s valiant 76 went in vain as they finished well short on 181/7.
India will now face England in the second semi-final on June 27. But who will join South Africa in the other last-four clash? Australia still have a slim chance if results go their way on Tuesday.
Afghanistan take on Bangladesh, with the equation simple – an Afghan victory seals their spot in the semis. Even a no-result will do. However, Australia will be hoping for Bangladesh to spring an upset win. But it needs to be by a margin of more than 62 runs if Bangladesh bat first and score 150 or more, as per a complex Net Run Rate situation. Else, Australia sneak through despite two defeats.
David Warner and Co. will be biting their nails and anxiously waiting to see if lady luck smiles on them. But for now, it’s advantage India and England in the race for a place in the summit clash in Barbados on June 30.
