In a thrilling encounter at the Arnos Vale Ground, Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the T20 World Cup, defeating Australia by 21 runs. The victory was orchestrated by an outstanding bowling performance led by Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq, leaving the Australian team and fans in disbelief.
Afghanistan’s Dominance with the Ball
Afghanistan’s bowlers set the tone for the match with a disciplined and fiery spell. Gulbadin Naib was the standout performer, taking 4/20, while Naveen-ul-Haq chipped in with 3/20. The duo’s exceptional bowling dismantled the Australian batting lineup, which was chasing a modest target of 149 runs.
Travis Head’s early dismissal for a three-ball duck, bowled by Naveen-ul-Haq, set the tone for Afghanistan’s defence. Skipper Mitchell Marsh and David Warner attempted to stabilize the innings but fell prey to Naveen and Mohammad Nabi, respectively. With wickets tumbling at one end, Glenn Maxwell tried to anchor the chase with a gritty 59.
However, his dismissal by Gulbadin Naib was the final nail in the coffin for Australia, who eventually succumbed to 126 all out.
A Historic Victory for Afghanistan
This victory keeps Afghanistan’s hopes of reaching their first T20 World Cup semifinal alive, although their chances remain slim. They are now level on points with Australia, both teams having two points each. However, Australia’s superior net run rate (0.224) places them second in Group 1, while Afghanistan’s net run rate of -0.650 puts them in third.
Afghanistan’s captain expressed his pride and excitement after the match.
“This win is a testament to our team’s hard work and determination. We played with heart and believed in ourselves. It’s a special moment for Afghanistan cricket,”
he said.
Australia’s Struggles
The Australian team, known for its strong performances in ICC tournaments, was left reeling from the unexpected defeat. Glenn Maxwell, despite his heroic efforts, couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“We didn’t execute our plans well and credit to Afghanistan for playing exceptionally. We need to regroup and focus on the upcoming matches,”
he remarked.
Afghanistan’s Strong Start
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan’s opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, laid a solid foundation with a 118-run partnership. Gurbaz scored a fluent 60, while Zadran added a steady 51.
Their efforts helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 148/6, despite a late collapse triggered by Australia’s Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins.
Cummins’ second successive hat-trick in the final over brought some respite for the Aussies but wasn’t enough to prevent the defeat.
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan will look to build on this victory and push for a semifinal spot, while Australia needs to bounce back quickly to stay in contention. The upcoming matches in the Super 8 stage promise more excitement and unexpected twists in the T20 World Cup.
Brief Scores:
- Afghanistan: 148/6 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 60, Ibrahim Zadran 51; Pat Cummins 3/28)
- Australia: 126 in 20 overs (Glenn Maxwell 59; Gulbadin Naib 4/20, Naveen-ul-Haq 3/20)
This victory marks a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing their potential to compete and triumph on the world stage.
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