Tim Paine, the ex-Australia captain, and Josh Hazlewood- one of the current T20 World Cup squad members had openly discussed “manipulating” their last group-stage game against Scotland for them to knock England out of the tournament. In fact, Australia will be packing up and heading home while on the other hand England will be advancing to a second semifinal against India.
Afghanistan’s famous victory over Bangladesh in Tuesday’s concluding ‘Super 8s’ clash (IST) ensured that Australia were knocked out of the World Cup while earning Afghans their maiden spot in a World Cup semifinal as they face South Africa.
Indeed, it was India’s 24-run victory over Australia that left the 2021 champions without any chance of reaching the semis. India’s win also meant revenge because Aussies beat them in last year’s ODI World Cup final, some people are saying that revenge is sweet now. However, there is still a T20 World Cup to be won in 2024.
But fans aren’t ready to let go off this opportunity and not only reminding Australians about how they wished to oust England but also Afghanistan have done so along with Rohit Sharma & Co completing the formalities.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) understandably led the ‘roast’. Naveen ul Haq who took four wickets for Afghanistan against Bangladesh represents LSG in IPL and he is one of their key bowlers. Besides Naveen, skipper Rashid Khan also orchestrated Bangladesh’s collapse with four wickets.
Australia finished third on the Group 1 points table with two points while Afghanistan went past them into No.2 position by beating Bangladesh covering themselves with four points.
South Africa emerged as table toppers from Group 2 whereas England came second behind them to reach second semi-finals in the group.
