In a dramatic turn of events at the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan stunned the cricket world by defeating Australia, avenging their painful loss in the 2023 World Cup. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a total of 148 for 6 wickets, a competitive score that put pressure on the Australian bowlers. The Afghan batsmen, led by their top order, displayed a mix of aggression and strategic play to set a challenging target.
Australia’s response began with a familiar air of confidence, particularly after their remarkable chase in the previous World Cup where Glenn Maxwell single-handedly led them to victory. This time, Maxwell once again seemed poised to repeat his heroics, attacking the Afghan bowlers with his characteristic flair. His aggressive batting raised hopes among Australian fans of another successful chase.
Gulbadin Naib’s Incredible Four-Wicket Haul
Source: AajTak
However, Afghanistan had different plans. Enter Gulbadin Naib, whose incisive bowling spell turned the tide in favor of his team. Naib struck crucial blows at key moments, removing top-order batsmen and derailing Australia’s momentum. His disciplined line and length, combined with strategic variations, left the Australians struggling to build substantial partnerships.
Despite Pat Cummins’ remarkable hat-trick, his second in this T20 World Cup, Australia’s efforts fell short. Cummins’ brilliant bowling briefly reignited hope for an Australian comeback, but the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup proved costly. Maxwell, who had been the linchpin of Australia’s chase, found himself increasingly isolated as wickets tumbled around him. Eventually, Maxwell fell victim to Rashid’s relentless spin, wickets started to fell thereafter stopping Australia in just 127 runs.
This victory not only served as sweet revenge for Afghanistan but also marked a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. Naib’s exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade, highlighting his pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic win. With this loss, Australia’s fate now hangs in the balance as they prepare for their crucial next match against India on June 24th. A victory is imperative for Australia to keep their semi-final hopes alive, making it a must-win situation to avoid jeopardizing their journey in the tournament.
