Bangladesh’s chances, despite losing two games off three in the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup, opened up after Australia lost to India at Gros Islet in Saint Lucia Monday [BST].
Chasing 206, India held Australia to 181 for seven to win by 24 runs and confirm a berth in the semi-final of the 20-nation tournament.
Bangladesh are currently facing Afghanistan at the Arnos Vale in Saint Vincent Tuesday morning [BST].
Placed at No 4 in Group 1 in the Super Eight, the Tigers have no other option but to eye a big win against the Afghans.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s equation is straight forward – they simply need to defeat Bangladesh and the winning margin has no bearing.
Following the India-Australia game, India finished top in the group with three wins out of three and six points.
Australia are at No 2 with one win in three matches and a net run rate of -0.331.
The situation is out of Australia’s hands now, a situation they have not usually known in big tournaments like this.
Australia will be eager for Bangladesh to win against Afghanistan but not by a big margin so that the NRR remains less and they can move to the semis as the second team in Group 1.
Afghanistan at No 3 in the pool have won one game, against Australia, and two points with NRR of -0.65.
Bangladesh with no victory in two matches are at No 4 with NRR of -2.489.
