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T20 World Cup Super 8 Matches: The Indian team will play their first match in the Super 8 against Afghanistan on June 20. On June 22, they will face Bangladesh, and on June 24, India will clash with Australia. India needs to be cautious in these matches. Here are five potential upsets that could happen in the Super 8...
The group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 is nearing its conclusion, with 38 matches played and two remaining. The eight teams for the Super 8 have been determined, including India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan, USA, England, and Bangladesh. India, having won three group stage matches, will play their first Super 8 match against Afghanistan on June 20. They will then face Bangladesh on June 22 and Australia on June 24. Here are five potential upsets that could occur in the Super 8 stage:
1. USA vs South Africa
Although South Africa has qualified for the Super 8, they have won some close matches that could have gone either way. They narrowly defeated Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal. Against Sri Lanka, South Africa chased down a target of 78 runs with four wickets down in the 17th over. Against the Netherlands, they lost four wickets for 12 runs while chasing 104 and achieved the target in the 19th over. They also won by just four runs against Bangladesh, amidst controversy with Mahmudullah. South Africa barely managed a one-run win against Nepal. Given their close matches, USA, who performed well in their group, could upset South Africa.
2. Afghanistan vs India
Afghanistan has defeated strong teams like New Zealand by a significant margin in their group. Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan beat New Zealand by 84 runs, resulting in New Zealand's elimination. They also defeated Uganda by 125 runs and Papua New Guinea by seven wickets. India needs to be cautious against Afghanistan, as they are capable of causing upsets in this format.
3. USA vs West Indies
Although the West Indies have won three matches so far, they have also had close encounters like South Africa. They secured a five-wicket win against Papua New Guinea and a 13-run victory over New Zealand. Afghanistan will be a real test for the West Indies, and their match against the USA in the Super 8 won't be easy. The USA team could trap the West Indies, potentially causing an upset.
4. Afghanistan vs Australia
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan almost defeated Australia, but Maxwell's incredible innings saved them. However, in T20 cricket, there won't be as much time available as Maxwell had in that match. Afghanistan is more dangerous in this format, and the Australian team could struggle against spin. Rashid Khan and his team could surprise Australia.
5. Bangladesh vs Australia
In the ongoing tournament, Australia and Bangladesh will face each other on June 21 in the fourth Super 8 match in Antigua. Looking at their head-to-head record in the World Cup, Australia has an edge, winning six out of 10 T20 World Cup matches against Bangladesh. However, in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe shocked Australia with a five-wicket win. Hence, Australia needs to be wary of potential upsets, especially against Ba
