Early T20 World Cup exit looms for Australia

The group 1 at the T20 World Cup is still far from locked in thanks to a handful of no results, New Zealand’s dominance, and Ireland’s upset win over England last week.

Four teams (New Zealand, England, Australia, Sri Lanka) in the group still have a chance of finishing in the top two and going to the semi-finals.

Even New Zealand, top of the table on five points and the form team of the tournament, could still technically fail to progress.

Australia, meanwhile, does not have complete control of its destiny, having lost heavily to the Black Caps in the opening match.

It means that Australia must win its final match against Afghanistan to go to the next stage. Given four teams are still alive, there are many ways in which the final games could play out.

Below is not an exhaustive list of all the scenarios, but here are the three most likely ways Australia can reach the semi-finals.

Scenario 1

Australia goes through if...

- it beats Afghanistan

- England loses against Sri Lanka

Scenario 2

Australia goes through if...

- it beats Afghanistan

- England beats Sri Lanka, but ends with worse NRR

Scenario 3

Australia goes through if...

- it beats Afghanistan

- England beats Sri Lanka

- New Zealand also lose to Ireland

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