Srinagar 23 June(KNB): In a historic upset during the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan’s cricket team achieved a remarkable victory by defeating Australia. Led by captain Rashid Khan, Afghanistan secured their first-ever win against Australia in international cricket.
Last year, during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan came close to victory but lost to Australia in a thrilling encounter where Glenn Maxwell snatched the win away from them. However, this time, Afghanistan made no mistakes and emerged victorious at the Kingstown Oval, winning by 21 runs.
The match featured four ODIs and two T20 matches between the two teams. While Afghanistan had never beaten Australia in ODIs, they turned the tables in the T20 format. Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 148 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Rahmatullah Gurbaz (60 runs) and Ibrahim Zadran (51 runs) played crucial innings.
In response, the Australian team was restricted to 127 runs in 19.2 overs. Gulbadin Naib took four wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Marcus Stoinis. At one point, Australia was struggling at 32 runs for three wickets, but Glenn Maxwell (39 runs) partnered with Stoinis to revive their innings. However, Naib’s dismissal of Stoinis turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor.
Maxwell’s innings reminded fans of his incredible performance during the 2023 ODI World Cup when he played an unbelievable knock against Afghanistan, securing a win for Australia. This time, though, Gulbadin Naib ensured that Maxwell’s heroics didn’t repeat, dismissing him and dampening Australia’s hopes.
Apart from Maxwell, no other Australian batsman managed to reach double figures. Travis Head (0), David Warner (3), captain Mitchell Marsh (12), Marcus Stoinis (11), Tim David (2), Matthew Wade (5), Pat Cummins (3), Ashton Agar (2), and Adam Zampa (9) struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
This victory has added excitement to the Super 8 Group 1, with Afghanistan now in contention for the semifinals. Both Australia and Afghanistan have equal points. Australia faces India in their final Super 8 match, while Afghanistan takes on Bangladesh. The net run rate could come into play if either team loses.(KNB)