Afghanistan side scripted one of the biggest wins in T20 World Cup history after Afghanistan thrashed Australia by 21 runs in their Super 8 game on Sunday.
The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan side scripted one of the biggest wins in T20 World Cup history after Afghanistan thrashed Australia by 21 runs in their Super 8 game on Sunday and went on to spoil Pat Cummins’ excitement of recording back-to-back hat-tricks. Mitchell Marsh-led Australian side were chasing 149 to win, but they were bowled out for 127 thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s magnificent 4/20 and Naveen-ul-Haq’s 3/20.
The only Australian batter that managed to score was Glenn Maxwell, who scored 59 off 41 balls. Afghanistan’s hopes came true over eight months after they came agonisingly close to stunning Australia at the ODI World Cup 2023 in November.
Afghanistan stunned Australia for the first time ever in any format, following opening batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scoring terrific half-centuries to set the tone in the game. Only three of Australia’s batters scored double-digit runs, which shows that their batters have been struggling, even though Cummins became only the second bowler in international cricket history to record back-to-back hat-tricks after Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Only one man, Glenn Maxwell, stood in Afghanistan’s way of making history, as Australia had been reduced to 32/2 and then 71/4.
Watch: Pat Cummins scripts T20 World Cup history with back-to-back hat-tricks
It was all going to come about again for star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. The helmet was taken off when the Big Show quickly reached a half-century. But this time, the final touches were missing. Maxwell blasted Gulbadin hard to the point region where Noor Ahmed produced an incredible catch. The wheels came off, and Afghanistan witnessed history pouring all around them. The wickets had been picked up by Gulbadin, Rashid Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq, and thrilling scenes were set off when Adam Zampa found Mohammad Nabi at long-on.
THE EMOTIONS FROM AFGHANISTAN SAYS ALL. 🥹🇦🇫
– A very well deserved and hard fought victory over Australia. pic.twitter.com/eM7zBQotiN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 23, 2024
On the other hand, Australia’s chase was not easy from their first over of the game. Australia’s opening batter Travis Head got dismissed for a three-ball duck by LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, while Nabi produced a top-edge off left-handed batter David Warner‘s willow to get rid of him. Meanwhile, Afghanistan recently defeated England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, three World Champions, during the ODI World Cup 2023. In addition to this, Afghanistan crushed New Zealand by 74 runs just days ago, continuing their giant-killing campaign.
Maxwell Magic not today…
Well Done Afghanistan 🇦🇫🔥 pic.twitter.com/PmonA5yYpR
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) June 23, 2024
Finally they redeem themselves for the World Cup defeat months ago. Now time for India on Monday to do their bit in sending Australia back home.
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) June 23, 2024
Beautiful ❤️
You are second best team in Asia #AFGvAUS
— Kapil Pratap Singh (@kapil9994) June 23, 2024
DREAM FOR PAKISTAN 😂
— Dard_e_Dil🕊 (@dard_aai_dil) June 23, 2024
Superb bowling and opening partnership won them 👏
— Chirag Mehta (@imchikachirag) June 23, 2024
They have done it. They have done it finally. They have beaten the mighty Aussies. Historic day for Afghanistan cricket….
— Ujjawal Bhai (@sonuujjawal26) June 23, 2024
The agony of 2023 has turned into ecstasy in 2024.
– Afghanistan, take a bow. 🇦🇫
— IpoArena (@IpoArena) June 23, 2024
