Afghanistan and Australia continued their ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign by facing off at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent, in game 48 on Sunday, June 23. The Super Eights clash began with Afghanistan coming in to bat first after losing the toss.
The side got off to a great start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scored 60 and 51 runs, respectively. After the heroics of the openers, the remaining batters could not follow up and were dismissed cheaply. Azmatullah Omarzai scored two runs, with Karim Janat adding 13 runs on the board.
Furthermore, skipper Rashid Khan failed to make an impact after his cheap dismissal for just two runs. Mohammad Nabi stayed unbeaten on a score of 10 runs as Afghanistan posted a total of 148 runs in the first innings.
As for Australia, Pat Cummins was the highest wicket-taker for the side, with three wickets to his name. This was the second straight game for Cummins where he took a hat-trick and scripted history. Adam Zampa took two wickets as well, with Marcus Stoinis striking once.
Exceptional bowling propels Afghanistan over the line
Aiming to chase down the target of 149 runs, Australia got off to a horrid start as in-form batters Travis Head and David Warner were dismissed for a duck and three runs, respectively. Things went from bad to worse after skipper Mitchell Marsh was sent packing for just 12 runs.
However, ace all-rounder Glenn Maxwell gave Afghanistan a scary reminder of just what he is capable of. Playing a resilient knock, Maxwell scored 59 runs in 41 deliveries, but Gulbadin Naib provided the breakthrough, dismissing Maxwell and bringing Australia back into the game.
Matthew Wade was dismissed for five runs, with Pat Cummins scoring three. It was a day to remember for Afghanistan. Naib was the star of the show, taking four wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as well, with Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan taking one each as Australia were bundled out for 127 and Afghanistan won the game by 21 runs.
Here’s how X reacted to the game:
This is big… @ACBofficials topple Australia for the very first time!
Hats off to @rashidkhan_19 and his team of true fighters. #T20WorldCup
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 23, 2024
Afghanistan took the revenge and how! Just wow @ACBofficials 🙌🏻 #AFGvAUS #T20WC pic.twitter.com/jq9jlqW9ne
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 23, 2024
Afghanistan continue to produce magical stories in the world of cricket.
Massive win that! Properly shakes up the group.
— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) 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
Afghan 🔥🔥🔥 #T20WorldCup
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 23, 2024
Far to much doubt to give that out #ausvsafg
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 23, 2024
I love all the skills the Afghan seamers have, in, away, slower ball, in and away again…but the best skill is to identify what works and consistently do that over and over.
A Ferrari is nice but you don’t need it on a dirt road, identify the wheels required and then drive it…
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 23, 2024
The REVANGE is Complete for @ACBofficials Now it’s India’s turn to take Revange.. #AFGvAUS #T20WorldCup @wwasay @Rizzvi73
— mayur chaudhary 🇮🇳 (@mayuchaudhary) June 23, 2024
Mubarak Mubarak 🇦🇫🇦🇫🇦🇫💥💥📣
Afghanistan Beat Australia in T20 World cup .
Congratulations to the Afghanistan people nd those who support our Team 🇦🇫.
Gurbaz Fantastic
Ibrahim Great
Nabi,Rashid,Noor,Gulo,Naveen,Faroqi, Omarzai well ball 💥
Mashallah 🇦🇫#T20WorldCup #AFGvAUS pic.twitter.com/Xji3LZm1SE
— Tamim (@iamtammim) June 23, 2024
The celebrations of Afghanistan team on beating Australia.#AFGvAUS #AFGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/xodc5KN4CK
— Abdullah Neaz🏏 (@cric___guy) June 23, 2024
Well Played, Champ👏🔥😢 #AUSvAFG #Maxwell #AFGvAUS AFG🙌 pic.twitter.com/Abu71WFMIJ
— mahadevan (@mahadev67008154) June 23, 2024
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