With the T20 World Cup semifinals in Group 1 just two matches away, all four teams are still in contention for a spot in the knockout stage. The final match between India and Australia on Monday at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium will determine which two teams from Group 1 will advance to the semis. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of this crucial match.
The skies above the stadium are forecast to be mostly cloudy with a thunderstorm expected during the game that starts at 10:30 am (local time) or 8 pm in India. While unbeaten India (4 points and net run-rate +2.425) is currently leading, a loss to Australia (2 points, NRR +0.223) could see them knocked out of contention for a spot in the semis. On the other hand, if Afghanistan (2 points, NRR -0.650) can beat Bangladesh (0 point, NRR -2.489) in their last match of the ‘Super 8s’, they will join India as one of the two semifinalists from Group 1.
In case of a no result due to washout, Australia will end up with three points, and both teams will want Bangladesh’s match against Afghanistan to also end without a result or have Afghanistan win it for their own sake. If neither game produces any result, then Australia will be edged out by Afghanistan on net run-rate while Bangladesh will exit with two points as opposed to Australia’s three points.
Defending champions England have already made it through from Group 2 after winning their match against West Indies and South Africa, leaving only one spot left for either West Indies or South Africa to claim before joining England in the knockouts.
