Afghanistan defeated Australia for the first time in international cricket, getting over the line by 21 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash in Kingstown.
Cummins hat-trick in vain
Afghanistan created history with a memorable win against the 2021 T20 World Cup champions Australia, dismissing them for 127 in a run chase of 149. Led by fifties from their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan got to a competitive total on a sluggish wicket, despite Pat Cummins picking up his second successive hat-trick in two days.
Naveen-ul-Haq sent back Travis Head in the first over of the run chase, and Australia could never recover after that, falling to 85-5 inside 13 overs. Despite a fighting 59 from Glenn Maxwell, Afghanistan kept their nerves, taking some excellent catches, eventually restricting the opposition to 127.
Naib stars with the ball
Gulbadin Naib was the star with the ball, picking up 4-20, helping Afghanistan to their first win against Australia after running them close twice previously. Afghanistan had lost by four runs in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and were in sight of a historic win against Australia last year in the ODI World Cup before Glenn Maxwell played arguably the best knock in history, scoring a double hundred after his team was in the doldrums.
They have also opened up the doors for a semi-final berth and will play Bangladesh in two days to determine their fate in the competition.
Afghanistan’s fifth win against a Full-Member across two ICC events since last year, was praised and appreciated by the cricketing world on social media.
Do not disrespect Afghanistan by calling this an upset. Afg are good enough to beat any team on their day. They played to their potential today and defeated a very good Aus team. A fact that should be celebrated. Congratulations and well played @ACBofficials 👏🏼👏🏼 #AUSvAFG pic.twitter.com/e3Ydxap3kC
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 23, 2024
Such wonderful, emotional pictures coming through of Afghanistan beating Australia for the first time. Another giant step forward for an embattled nation. Such spirit, such energy, such desire
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2024
Afghanistan continue to produce magical stories in the world of cricket.
— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) June 23, 2024
Massive win that! Properly shakes up the group.
Stunning victory for Afghanistan! On paper it's just another win for a team who're on an upward trajectory in world cricket. But this is huge. Their first ever T20 win over Australia, under intense pressure. They've written another glorious chapter in this remarkable story 👌
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) June 23, 2024
Sport’s filled with cliches yes. The ground & the press box literally shook & quite violently at literally the moment Afghanistan beat Australia. So much so that we were asked to stay away from the windows for a few minutes. Earthquake at 6.2 Richter scale apparently #T20WorldCup
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) June 23, 2024
This is another historic victory for the Afghanistan side. They have read the conditions better, but more importantly executed well!! Australia’s fielding again has been questionable, 6 opportunities missed whereas on the flip side 🇦🇫 have taken some rippers!!! #AUSvsAFG
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) June 23, 2024
Mohammad Nabi holds the catch to notch up the 45th (!) country he has beaten #T20WorldCup https://t.co/xVdfPpfdf9
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) June 23, 2024
