In a gripping fight at Kingstown, St Vincent, Afghanistan prevailed over Australia by 21 runs in the Super Eights, Group One match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The victory opened an exciting new chapter in the game and demonstrated Afghanistan’s cricketing power.
Afghanistan, batting first, scored 148/6 in their 20 overs, setting a difficult goal.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 60 runs off 49 balls with four boundaries and four massive sixes, was the innings’ focal point. By scoring a reliable 51 off 48 balls, Ibrahim Zadran ensured Afghanistan had a strong base. Despite a late collapse, with wickets tumbling in short succession, Mohammad Nabi’s cameo of 10 from four balls helped Afghanistan achieve a competitive total.
Australia’s bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins with statistics of 3/28, had moments of exceptional performance. Adam Zampa, who took two wickets for 28 runs, was as productive. They did not, however, succeed in totally stopping Afghanistan’s batting momentum.
With the ball, Gulbadin Naib rose to prominence for Afghanistan.
Australia got off to a horrible start chasing 149 to win. Afghan dominance was established when Naveen-ul-Haq removed Travis Head for a duck in the opening over. The Australian top order lost wickets frequently and found it difficult to establish itself. As Australia’s lone warrior, Glenn Maxwell scored a scorching 59 off just 41 balls, smashing six boundaries and three sixes. However, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to offer much assistance, thus his efforts were in vain.
Afghanistan’s ball player idol was Gulbadin Naib. His remarkable 4/20 performance completely destroyed the Australian batting lineup. With an incredible 3/20, Naveen-ul-Haq matched Naib’s effort, and Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with significant wickets. Australia finally fell 21 runs short of the target when they were knocked out for 127 in 19.2 overs.
Naib was named Player of the encounter for his winning performance in the encounter. With the victory, the T20 World Cup’s Super Eights stage is now even more exciting, with more exciting matches to come as the competition advances.
The winning captain, Rashid Khan, remarked
Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It’s something we missed in last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys. Quite important for us that we went back with the same playing XI. We’re reading the opposition bowling lineup and selecting XI accordingly. 140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn’t finish as well as we should have. Opening partnership gave us best start.
On this wicket, anything 130-plus, we were capable of defending it as long as we kept calm and had the belief. That’s the beauty of this team, having allrounders and having options. The way Gulbadin bowled today – the experience he has, it came good today. The way Nabi started – the wicket of Warner – was also pleasing to see. It’s so important for us back home and around the world. I’m sure they’re proud and would’ve enjoyed the game.
the Losing Captain Mitchell Marsh said
They probably got 20 too many. Lot of teams have bowled first in this tournament. Don’t think it was won or lost at the toss. We had an off night on the field. Wasn’t the easiest of wickets but both teams played on it. As I said, we got outplayed today. We just need to win and there’s no better team to do it against.
Player of the Match said Gulbadin Naib
We were waiting for a long time. Great moment for me, my nation, my people. Big achievement for our cricket. Thanks to our fans for supporting our cricket journey. We worked hard for the last 2 months, and the result is in front of you. The wicket wasn’t easy to bat on, the ball was too bouncy. I took two wickets early on, and carried that on later. Thanks to Rashid for trusting me. This was a complete team effort.
The way Naveen bowled, the way Gurbaz and Ibrahim batted. We beat Australia at last! It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket, our history isn’t too much so this is a great achievement. We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now. We have great management and I’m very fortunate to have this team. Every game is important, we will rest tomorrow and think about it.
India
