Michael Vaughan terms Afghanistan 'second best Asian team in white-ball cricket'

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has declared Afghanistan the second-best team in Asia in white-ball cricket after their historic win over Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8.

Vaughan praised Afghanistan's skilful players and Rashid Khan's leadership, stating it's no longer surprising to see such performances from them.

"It’s no surprise anymore that Afghanistan produce performances like we have just witnessed .. Extremely skilful set of players & brilliantly led by Rashid Khan," he added.

Meanwhile, in a separate post on X, he mentioned that the Afghans have now become the second-best white-ball team in Asia.

Afghanistan, defending 148-6, bowled out Australia for 127 in 19.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell's 59 was the only notable contribution as Australia lost to Afghanistan for the first time in six matches. Naveen-ul-Haq took 3-20, while Gulbadin Naib, the Player of the Match, claimed 4-20.

Batting first, Afghanistan's openers Gurbaz (60 off 49) and Zadran (51 off 48) scored 118 runs for the first wicket. Pat Cummins' hat-trick in the final overs, dismissing Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib, was a highlight for Australia. Cummins and Zampa took three and two wickets respectively, conceding 28 runs each in their four overs.