In the Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets. With a thrilling victory over Afghanistan in Mumbai on Tuesday, Australia advanced to the semifinals of the Cricket World Cup 2023 as the third team, thanks to a knock of note from Glenn Maxwell. The former world champions were struggling to chase down a target of 292 runs after losing seven wickets at a cost of just 91 runs. However, Maxwell’s combination with Pat Cummins proved to be the decisive element as he went on to smack the first double century by an Australian batter in Cricket World Cup history. Australia now have 12 points and, regardless of the outcome of their next game, will be third in the standings.
But this outcome made the competition for the fourth position more fierce.
Afghanistan now has eight points, tied with New Zealand in fourth place and Pakistan in fifth, following their defeat. With one game remaining in the group stage, all three teams still have a chance to go to the semifinals of the Cricket World Cup in 2023, based on the outcome of their respective matches.
Since each of the three teams will have ten points after winning their individual games, the race will be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR). With a higher NRR at the moment, New Zealand has the advantage.
NRR will also be used in the event that all three teams lose.
Right now, South Africa is in second place with 12 points, while India is first with 16. The team captained by Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly top the points table, but Australia may pass them to second place with a victory over Bangladesh if South Africa loses their last game against Afghanistan.
