Aakash Chopra envisions a golden opportunity for India to boot Australia out of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The impending showdown between the two teams on Monday June 24 in Saint Lucia marks the culminating fixture of their Group 1 Super 8 encounter.
The Men in Blue defeated Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their first two Super 8 games and currently lead Group 1. In contrast, the Australians demolished the Bangla Tigers in their first Super 8 game before losing to the Afghans in their last match.
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Aakash Chopra stated that Monday’s game provides India with an opportunity to eliminate Australia from the tournament.
“The moment we were waiting for has arrived. We can knock Australia out. If we beat Australia, not only will we finish No. 1, we can end Australia’s tournament. It won’t guarantee but it could be Australia tata bye-bye. It is possible.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener stated that Australia’s defeat to Afghanistan has secured exciting cricket on the final day of the Super 8s.
“Australia have lost to Afghanistan. The match was on a turning pitch on which the Afghanistan team scored a lot of runs after they were invited to bat first. After that, they restricted Australia, won the game, gave them a little bit of a beating, and because of that the last game has become very interesting.”
Aakash Chopra
Afghanistan defeated Australia by 21 runs in Saint Vincent on Saturday, June 22. They scored 148/6 after being asked to bat first and bundled out Pat Cummins and company for 127.
“If India win today’s match, our qualification is certain” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that India is likely guaranteed a semi-final spot regardless of Monday’s outcome.
“If India win today’s match, our qualification is certain. God forbid, even if we lose, our qualification is almost certain unless we lose by an unimaginable margin, like say 100 runs, because our net run rate is already so high. We defeated Afghanistan and Bangladesh by huge margins, which means we have given ourselves a cushion.”
Aakash Chopra
However, the cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized the importance of finishing at the top of the standings.
“However, if we lose, there is a possibility that we finish at No. 2 instead of No. 1. It doesn’t make a difference otherwise if we finish at No. 2, we have to go to Guyana, but if we finish at No. 1, there will be an advantage. We will be through if there is rain in that semi-final.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra pointed out that if Australia defeats India, they will almost certainly qualify.
“Australia’s story is that you will have to defeat us in the last match. If you beat us and get two points, your qualification will be almost confirmed as Afghanistan’s net run rate is quite low. They are playing their last match against Bangladesh on the same pitch they defeated Australia. They will also know the margin with which they would have to win, but I think it will be too far.”
Aakash Chopra
Australia boasts a superior net run rate (0.223) compared to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. If Australia is defeated by India a victory for Bangladesh against Afghanistan could potentially secure Australias spot in the semifinals.