Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was on cloud nine after they stunned Australia by 21 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on Saturday. Afghanistan posted a fighting total of 148 runs on the board after Rahmanullah Gubraz (60 off 51 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (51 off 48) added 118 runs for the opening alliance to give a perfect start to their team.
But, Afghanistan could not finish strongly as they lost six wickets in the last five overs. However, Afghanistan bowlers were right on the money from the get-go as Naveen-ul-Haq got the big wicket of Travis Head with an outswinger.
Naveen-ul-Haq returned with impressive figures of 3-20 in his quota of four overs as he also accounted for Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Agar. Furthermore, Gulbadin Naib made the most of his experience as he registered figures of 4-20. Naib got the big wicket of top-scorer Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Pat Cummins.
Barring Maxwell, none of the Australian batters could go past the 15-run mark in the run-chase of 149.
Rashid Khan, who also bowled a crucial spell of 1-23 in his four overs, said in the post-match presentation, “Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It’s something we missed in last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys. Quite important for us that we went back with the same playing XI. We’re reading the opposition bowling lineup and selecting XI accordingly.”
He added, “140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn’t finish as well as we should have. Opening partnership gave us best start. On this wicket, anything 130-plus, we were capable of defending it as long as we kept calm and had the belief. That’s the beauty of this team, having all-rounders and having options. The way Gulbadin bowled today – the experience he has, it came good today. The way Nabi started – the wicket of Warner – was also pleasing to see. It’s so important for us back home and around the world. I’m sure they’re proud and would’ve enjoyed the game.”
Afghanistan’s win has kept them alive in the semifinal race. The Rashid Khan-led team will next take on Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on Monday.
