Afghanistan pulls off a historic first win over Australia.
Afghanistan achieved a landmark victory beating reigning champions Australia by 21 runs in their Super Eight clash at Saint Vincent in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Afghanistan’s first-ever win against Australia across formats has boosted their semifinal chances tremendously. Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib led the bowling effort with stunning figures of 4/20 in four overs.
Relying on a strong 118-runopening standby of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan finished their innings at 148/6. Australia’s pursuit got off to a rocky start with Naveen-ul-Haq dismissing Travis Head in the first over itself.
Maxwell’s gritty 59 was the highest Australian score but wickets fell regularly against disciplined Afghan bowling. Naib took the prized scalps of Stoinis, David, and Cummins during a match-changing spell.
Nabi also chipped in with the wicket of Warner as Australia were bundled out for 127 in the final over. Skipper Rashid Khan backed up the pace bowlers well, conceding just 23 in his four.
Elated by the historic first victory over their rivals, Afghanistan will hope to carry momentum whereas Australia now requires an upset win over India to salvage hopes of qualifying. Marsh conceded his team was outplayed by a unit in inspired form.
