Afghanistan register historic win over Australia in T20 World Cup 2024

Gulbadin Naib proved to be Afghanistan's key player, leading his team to a surprising 21-run victory over the previously undefeated Australia in their Group One Super Eight clash at the T20 World Cup, held at the Arnos Vale Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 149, Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41 balls, six fours, three sixes) kept Australia on track until he fell to Naib in the 15th over, marking Naib’s third wicket and opening the door for Afghanistan's victory. Naib concluded with impressive figures of four for 20 from his four overs of medium pace, a performance that saw Australia bowled out for 127 with four balls remaining, suffering their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in a senior international match.

"It's a great moment for me, my nation, my people," said a jubilant Naib after receiving the Man of the Match award. "I learned a lot about the pitch from when we batted, and I’m grateful to (captain) Rashid (Khan) for having faith in me."

Earlier in the match, Pat Cummins secured his second consecutive hat-trick as Afghanistan’s innings lost momentum after a strong century opening stand from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, ending at 148 for six after being put in to bat. Gurbaz top-scored with 60 off 49 balls (four fours, four sixes), while Zadran contributed 51 off 48 balls (six fours), giving Afghanistan an excellent platform of 118 by the 16th over.

However, a rapid loss of four wickets for eight runs shifted the balance back. Marcus Stoinis made the initial breakthrough, and leg-spinner Adam Zampa tightened the pressure with two wickets. Cummins then delivered the decisive blows, including the wicket of Rashid Khan at the end of the 18th over, and followed with the dismissals of Karim Janat and eventual hero Naib at the start of the 20th over.

“It was an off night for us in the field, and we own that,” admitted Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. "We knew it was a challenging wicket, but both teams bowled and batted on it. We were simply outplayed by a better team on the night."

Reflecting on the historic victory, Rashid Khan praised the decision to revert to their previous playing eleven after experimenting against India. "We believed that 140 was a good total on this wicket. The belief was there, and having many bowling options like Gulbadin makes the job easier as a captain," he said.

With two teams from the group advancing to the semi-finals, Australia must now defeat unbeaten leaders India in St Lucia on Monday to secure their place in the last four. Afghanistan, also on two points like Australia, will remain in St Vincent to face Bangladesh later on Monday, by which time they will know what is required to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time.