• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/23/2024
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Glenn Maxwell’s double hundred last November left Rashid Khan sleepless, but Rashid can now rest easy after leading Afghanistan to a 21-run victory against Australia. This win keeps Afghanistan’s World Cup semi-final hopes alive and avenges their defeat in Mumbai, where Australia chased down 292 from 91 for 7.

Rashid’s Restless Nights

Reflecting on the past, Rashid shared how Glenn Maxwell’s innings in November 2023 haunted him. “That was a night which didn’t let me sleep. The game kept coming into my mind. Definitely, I didn’t sleep the whole night,” Rashid revealed. After this triumphant win, Rashid anticipates another sleepless night, but this time due to sheer happiness. “I feel like tonight, because of the happiness, I won’t be able to sleep. That’s how happy the whole team is.”

Unbelievable things happen if you believe! 💪

A win we are all going to be proud of, this is for all of you who believe in us 💙🇦🇫#T20WorldCup #ICC pic.twitter.com/xX82nT4FGV

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) June 23, 2024

For a war-ravaged nation like Afghanistan, this win means more than just advancing in a cricket tournament. Rashid highlighted the significance of the victory, particularly against the reigning World Cup champions. “It’s a massive win for us as a team, as a nation. It’s not just like a bilateral game. It’s a World Cup game, and definitely in a World Cup, you’re beating the best side. It’s a great achievement. And you’re (Australia) the winners of the 2021 World Cup. So, beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well.”

Keeping the Dream Alive

Afghanistan’s win keeps Group 1 in Super 8s alive and sets the stage for a possible historic advancement to the semifinals, provided they beat Bangladesh and India triumph over Australia. Cricket holds special importance in Afghanistan, a sentiment Rashid often reflects upon. “And as I mentioned earlier, cricket is the only source of happiness back home. That’s the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate. And if we keep that source away from us as well, I don’t know where Afghanistan will remain.”

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Rashid’s pride and satisfaction in bringing joy to his country were evident. “I feel like we are so lucky to be here giving this happiness to people back home. We hardly see these kind of events back home where they could celebrate and enjoy those moments. That’s something which really, really satisfies me,” Rashid said. This victory is a beacon of hope and a rare moment of collective celebration for the Afghan people.