Afghanistan pulls off stunning upset against Australia in T20 World Cup match

Afghanistan on Sunday sealed its first-ever win against Australia in an exceptional all-round display in their Super 8 T20 World Cup match.

Collecting one of the team’s best ever cricketing victories, Afghanistan ended Australia’s unbeaten World Cup 2024.

Australia’s skipper Mitch Marsh won the toss and opted to field first but Afghanistan took little time to make Marsh question whether he’d made the right decision.

The Afghans had a plan and it was executed out of the gate, staying patient and precise.

Needing a victory to avoid elimination, Afghanistan posted 148-6 on the back of a superb opening stand of 118 between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.

They quickly reduced Australia to 32-3 in the chase but Glenn Maxwell’s 35-ball half-century recovered the situation for the 2021 champions.

But just when Australia seemed to have the advantage, Gulbadin Naib removed Marcus Stoinis and Tim David before claiming the prize scalp of Maxwell.

From there Australia collapsed from 106-6 to 113-9 and Afghanistan sealed the win – their first over Australia in any form of cricket – in the final over.

“We’ve been waiting for a long time, it’s a great moment for me, my nation, my people,” said player of the match Gulbadin.

The team is now firmly back in contention to reach the semi-finals. They will face Bangladesh in their last Super 8s game on Tuesday.

Team captain Rashid Khan said: “It’s a massive win for us as a team and as a nation.”

“In a World Cup, to beat champions (Australia are 50-over world champions) is a great feeling and it is something we have missed.

“It’s just the beginning for us and we have every chance of making the semis,” Rashid said.

Australia takes on India in St Lucia on Monday and will likely need to win to progress to the last four.

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