In the final match of the second stage of the Cricket World Cup, Australia will play against India. This game will take place on Monday, June 24, starting at 16:30 Central European Time.
Australia
One of the world’s top teams, and a favorite for reaching the semifinals and winning the gold medals. In the first stage, they won all four matches, securing the maximum eight points and advancing to the Super 8 from the first position. Here, they were grouped with Bangladesh, India, and Afghanistan.
In their first game of the second stage, Australia defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs. However, they unexpectedly lost to Afghanistan by 21 runs. Thus, the Australians have two points and are in second place in their group. The final match against India is crucial, as only a victory will ensure Australia’s passage to the semifinals. Notably, in the previous tournament, they failed to reach the semifinals and were eliminated in the Super 12 stage. However, in 2021, Australia won the T20 Cricket World Cup gold medals.
India
The top-ranked team in the overall T20 format rankings. India is the favorite of this tournament and has performed exceptionally well so far. In the first stage, the Indians defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. The final match against Canada was abandoned due to weather conditions, resulting in shared points. Consequently, India accumulated seven points from four matches and advanced to the Super 8 from the first position.
India has continued to excel in the Super 8. They are one of the two teams that have already secured a place in the semifinals. In their first match, they thrashed Afghanistan by 47 runs, and in the second, they defeated Bangladesh by 50 runs. With four points from two matches, they top their group convincingly. India is making a strong bid for the championship title. It is worth noting that India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and has not claimed a gold medal since. They earned silver in 2014 and reached the semifinals in 2016 and 2022.
Interesting Facts and Head-to-Head
- Australia and India last played each other in 2023, with Australia winning by six runs.
- India has won ten consecutive matches.
- India has defeated Australia in four of their last five encounters.
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Australia vs India Prediction
For Australia, this game is of utmost importance, as they must win to reach the semifinals. India, on the other hand, can already prepare for the semifinals. My bet is on Australia’s total of more than 12.5 runs in the first two overs with odds of 1.49.
