Australia’s hopes in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty following a shocking defeat to Afghanistan, leaving them reliant on a crucial match against India. The loss has put Mitchell Marsh’s team in a precarious position, needing a victory to secure a spot in the semifinals for the third consecutive time.
However, their path is threatened by adverse weather conditions in St Lucia. According to Accuweather, heavy rainfall is predicted in the morning with overcast skies throughout the day. The match, scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM local time, faces the possibility of a delayed start due to the impending rain.
In the event of a washout, both teams will earn one point each as per ICC rules for Super Eight matches, leaving Australia with a challenging three-point tally. This scenario would almost guarantee India a semifinal berth, their second consecutive in the T20 World Cup.
Australia’s qualification hopes could hinge on other outcomes, including the result of the Bangladesh-Afghanistan match or potential net run rate considerations. Should Bangladesh defeat Afghanistan or their match also be affected by rain, Australia’s advancement remains a possibility based on superior run rate.
The stakes are high for both teams as they prepare to face off in a critical encounter amidst the unpredictable weather conditions of St Lucia.
