Afghanistan Creates History Defeats Mighty Australia in International Cricket for First Time EVER

23
Jun/24

What a day for cricket! What a day for anyone in Afghanistan who aspires to play for their national team. As their national heroes have pulled off something, no one had bet on. Afghanistan has recreated history by beating mighty Australia in the tournament, which recently earned a name for the major upsets of all times-T20 World Cup 2024.

Yes, you read it right, the Afghanistan cricket team have defeated former champions Australia by 21 runs in a Super 8 match on Sunday. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 148/6 and then bowled out Australia for 127 in 19.2 overs. Notably, this victory marked Afghanistan’s first win against Australia in international cricket, reducing their overall deficit to 1-5.

Set a target of 149, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell scored 59 off 41 balls with six fours and three sixes, keeping his team on track until he became Gulbadin Naib’s third wicket in the 15th over. Naib led the pace attack with four wickets for 20 runs in his four overs, turning the match in Afghanistan’s favor. Australia, facing their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in an international match, were dismissed with four balls to spare.

Gulbadin Naib’s strong message post win

In one the most unexpected turn of events in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan had earlier defeated tournament favourites New Zealand by as many as 75 runs. The Kiwi squad filled with players like Trent Bould, Kane Williamson, and Lockie Ferguson, failed to chase 160 runs in their 20-over quota. The loss led to New Zealand’s exit from the tournament making the clash a remarkable display of determination and grit.

Also read Pat Cummins takes hattrick in T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh

Defeating teams like Australia and New Zealand is a dream for upcoming teams like Afghanistan and the USA. This match’s star and Afghanistan’s one of the first international cricketers, Galbadin Naib, acknowledged the significance of the match.

At the post-match presentation, Naib expressed his gratitude and joy. “Thanks to dear Allah. We’ve waited for a long time. Big moment for our nation and our people. Thanks to the fans who have supported us in our career and cricket journey. I learnt from the batting innings on how to bowl. Thanks to Rashid for trusting me. It’s a whole team effort, Rahmanullah, Zadran, and Naveen, for the momentum. Thank God we finally beat Australia. It is a great achievement for Afghanistan, we have achieved many things in last ten years but this is a big achievement. In the last World Cup we played well and in this World Cup we beat New Zealand too,” he said.

Earlier, Pat Cummins achieved his second hat-trick in as many matches. Still, Afghanistan’s opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone with a century stand, helping Afghanistan post 148 for six after being put into bat.

Both teams now have two points after two games. Australia will face Group One leaders India in their final match, while Afghanistan will play Bangladesh, which has lost both their Super Eights games.

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