Australia kept their T20 World Cup semi-finals hopes alive as they defeated Afghanistan by four runs in Adelaide. While Australia moved to the second spot in the points table, they needed a big win over Afghanistan to improve their net run-rate. However, if England fail to win their final match against Sri Lanka on Saturday, Australia will join New Zealand in the semi-finals from Group 1. Australia lost skipper Aaron Finch and Tim David to hamstring injuries and dropped pace bowler Mitchell Starc before being put into bat by Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi on Friday.
Watch: David Warner Tries A Switch-Hit, Here's What Happened Next
Advertisement
David Warner switched to a right-handed grip during the game against Afghanistan in Adelaide
David Warner switched to a right-handed grip, but was castled by Naveen-ul-Haq.© Instagram
Australia also needed to restrict Afghanistan to a score of 106 or less to get ahead of England on net run-rate, but almost lost the game.
Rashid Khan scored an unbeaten 48 of 23 balls while Gulbadin Naib and Rahmanullah Gurbaz played cameos of 39 and 30, respectively.
Earlier on Friday, New Zealand defeated Ireland by 35 runs at the Adelaide Oval.
As things stand, New Zealand are top of the group with seven points. Australia too have seven points but they have a negative run-rate.
Advertising
Advertising
England are third with five points, and will reach the final if they beat Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Topics mentioned in this article
Advertisement
Get the Latest Cricket Updates, Check Bangadesh Tour of India 2024, Schedule, Results and News Updates at NDTV Sports. Like Us On Facebook Or Follow Us On Twitter For More Sports Updates. You Can Also Download The NDTV Cricket App For Android Or iOS.