T20 World Cup 2022: How can Australia still qualify for semi-finals after Match 27?

Match 27 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 saw an exciting clash between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Super 12 stage. The Kiwis humbled the Lankan Lions with a mammoth 65-run win, thanks to a four-fer from Trent Boult and a captivating century posted by Glenn Phillips.

With the race for the semi-finals on, New Zealand have almost cemented their spot in the last four of the marquee tournament. However, the battle for the second spot in Group 1 is still wide open and up for grabs as hosts and defending champions Australia are on the lookout to cement their position.

Scenarios for Australia to qualify for semis

Australia suffered a massive 89-run defeat at the hands of the Black Caps but registered their first win against the Lankan Lions in the following fixture. However, their much-anticipated clash with England was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to rain and hence the teams shared a point each.

Aussies so far have three points after their three matches that includes one loss and no result (NR) with a net run rate of -1.555. Furthermore, if the hosts are to obtain a semi-final berth, they will need to beat both Ireland and Afghanistan in consecutive do-or-die clashes. Winning these fixtures would hand the Aaron Finch-led side, a grand total of seven points.

England are also at par on points with the Aussies but at a better place in terms of net run rate with +0.239. However, the English face a tricky outing against the in-form New Zealand and Sri Lanka in their forthcoming fixtures. Adding to this, Australia will hope that either England lose one of their two matches, or they themselves win both their remaining fixtures by significantly higher margins to obtain a better net run rate as compared to England.

Moreover, Australia and the other sides will hope for the rain gods to no longer make their presence felt as it could further damage their progress.