Here's how Australia can still qualify for the 20-20 World Cup Semi-finals

The 20-20 World Cup 2022 hosts, Australia, find themselves in a big pickle as the tournament has not fared well for them so far. Australia was defeated by New Zealand by an 89-run margin, but they won their next match against Sri Lanka the following day. However, due to rain, their much-anticipated match with England was called off without a single ball being bowled, and the teams shared a point each.

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In the Super 12 stage, Sri Lanka and New Zealand faced off in Match 27 of the tournament. The Kiwis defeated the Lankan Lions by 65 runs, thanks to Trent Boult's four-for and Glenn Phillips' captivating century. With the race for the semi-finals underway, New Zealand has almost assured their place in the tournament's final four. The battle for second place in Group 1 is still up for grabs, as defending champions Australia look to solidify their position.

How can Australia qualify for the semi-finals

The Kangaroos have three points after three matches, including one loss and one no-result (NR), with a net run rate of -1.555. Furthermore, if the hosts are to advance to the semi-finals, they must defeat both Ireland and Afghanistan in back-to-back must-win games. Winning these games would give the Aaron Finch-led team a total of seven points.

England is also level on points with Australia, but they have a better net run rate (+0.239). However, the English will face tough tests against in-form New Zealand and Sri Lanka in their next two games. Furthermore, Australia will hope that England loses one of their two remaining matches and that they win both of their remaining matches by significant margins in order to have a higher net run rate than England.

The team led by Aaron Finch will play their next game against Ireland at The Gabba in Brisbane on the 31st of October. The defending champions will play their final game of the Super 12 Stages against Afghanistan at the Adelaide Oval on the 4th of November.