Explained: How Australia can still qualify for T20 World Cup semi-finals

Kieran Francis

Explained: How Australia can still qualify for T20 World Cup semi-finals image

Australia's 24-run loss to India in the Super 8 stage at the T20 World Cup has dealt a blow to their semi-final hopes - but there is still a chance of progression.

The Aussies will need a result to go their way but the dream of lifting the T20 World Cup in the USA is not yet over.

With it all on the line, The Sporting News explains how Australia can through to the last four.

MORE: India vs Australia: Score updates, result and highlights as India beat Australia by 24 runs

How Australia can still qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals

At 10:30am (AEST) on Tuesday, June 25, Afghanistan will take on Bangladesh in the final Super 8 game for Group 1.

For Australia to progress

Australia need Bangladesh to defeat Afghanistan by a margin that doesn't take their Net Run Rate above Australia's. 

For this to happen, Bangladesh needs to chase down the total of 116 in 12.2 overs or more.

For Australia to be eliminated

Australia will be out of the T20 World Cup if Afghanistan defend the total (5-115).

If Bangladesh wins by more than 61 runs or chases the target down in less than 12.1 overs, then Australia will also be out.

Super 8 Group 1 standings

Top two teams progress to semi-finals

TeamMWLN/RPts.NRR
India33006+2.017
Australia31202-0.331
Afghanistan21102-0.650
Bangladesh20200-2.489

In the Super 8 stage of the tournament, the top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. If more than two teams are tied on points for qualification, the two semi-finalists from each group will be determined using the following process. 

  • The team with the greatest number of wins will be placed in the higher position. 
  • If two or more teams are equal in terms of both points as well as wins, the team with the higher Net Run Rate (NRR) will be placed higher in the standings. 
  • If the two or more teams are equal in Net Run Rate as well, they will be ordered according to the head-to-head matches played between them (points and then NRR in those matches).
  • If somehow the teams still remain to be equal, the team with a higher ranking according to the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings will be placed higher. Standings as at the 31st of May, 2024 will be considered.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.