T20 World Cup: Australia beat Afghanistan but fail to boost run-rate

Australia bushed Afghanistan by 4 runs successful the Men's T20 World Cup but failed to execute the nett run-rate plaything required to further boost their chances.

If Sri Lanka win, Australia volition articulation New Zealand successful progressing from Group 1 to the past four.

Australia needed a large triumph successful Adelaide to heap the unit connected England but could not interruption escaped with the bat arsenic they were restricted to 168-8, meaning they had to support Afghanistan beneath 119 to person a accidental of pipping England connected nett run-rate.

In the extremity Australia, without injured skipper Aaron Finch oregon the curiously dropped Mitchell Starc, were astir beaten, which would person ended their hopes entirely.

Afghanistan reached 98-2 aft 13 overs of their pursuit earlier 3 wickets successful 4 balls - a superb Glenn Maxwell run-out and 2 for spinner Adam Zampa - swung the crippled backmost towards Australia.

Rashid Khan past smashed 48 not retired from 23 balls but with 22 needed from the last over, Afghanistan came up short, contempt Rashid flogging a six and 2 fours.

Earlier, David Warner gave Australia a accelerated commencement with 28 but the regular nonaccomplishment of wickets checked the scoring, Maxwell top-scoring with 54 not retired from 32 balls.

Credit should besides spell to an fantabulous Afghanistan bowling show with Naveen-ul-Haq closing retired the innings brilliantly and taking 2-20.

New Zealand bushed Ireland earlier connected Friday and person secured 1 of the 2 semi-final places. They volition astir surely instrumentality apical spot unless England triumph by a immense margin.

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