By Zainab Shafiq 
In a high-stakes Super Eight clash, India clinched a crucial 24-run victory over Australia, securing their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal. Batting first, India posted an imposing total of 205/5, thanks to stellar performances by Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Sharma dazzled the crowd with a blistering 92 off just 41 balls, while Yadav contributed a quickfire 31 off 16 deliveries.
Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, with Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis proving particularly expensive. Starc conceded 45 runs and Stoinis 56, though both managed to pick up two wickets each. In stark contrast, Josh Hazlewood delivered an exceptional spell, conceding only 14 runs in his four overs and claiming one wicket.
Chasing a formidable target of 206, Australia’s innings got off to a promising start with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh leading the charge. Head played a valiant knock of 76 off 43 balls, while Marsh added a steady 37 off 28. However, the rest of the Australian batting lineup faltered against the disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs in his four overs. Kuldeep Yadav also played a pivotal role, claiming 2 wickets for 24 runs. Australia’s chase ultimately fell short, ending at 181/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal scenario
This victory propels India into the semifinals, highlighting their dominant form in the tournament. The result has intensified the competition for the remaining semifinal spots, with Afghanistan and Bangladesh set to play the last Super Eight match.
For Afghanistan to qualify, they simply need a victory over Bangladesh. However, the path to qualification is more complex for Bangladesh. They need to win by at least 62 runs if batting first. If they bowl first, they must chase 110 in 12 overs, 130 in 12.2 overs, and so on. A win by exactly 61 runs would result in Bangladesh and Australia having identical Net Run Rates, but Australia would advance based on their head-to-head victory over Bangladesh in the Super Eight.
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await the outcome of the Afghanistan-Bangladesh clash, which will determine the final lineup for the semifinals. Australia’s hopes now rest on a narrow victory margin for Bangladesh, underscoring the thrilling unpredictability of the T20 World Cup 2024.
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