Ever since Afghanistan went down to Australia in the 2023 50-over World Cup, they have been on the lookout for an opportunity to return the favour. And they finally got their opportunity to draw level when the teams faced each other in the Super 8s of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
After being put into bat, Afghanistan got off to a flyer as Gurbaaz and Ibrahim smashed half-centuries. At one stage, it seemed as though Afghanistan would post a mammoth total on the board, However, the Aussies clawed their way back in the second half of the innings and restricted the Afghans to a score of 148 for six.
Needing just 149 to secure a place in the semi-finals, the Aussies had their top order rocked by Afghanistan’s seamers. However, Glenn Maxwell soon stepped up to the plate and threatened to steal victory from the jaws of defeat for the Aussies. And it took a special effort from Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmed to ensure that history does not repeat itself as they combined to dismiss the Australian all-rounder.
Maxwell’s departure triggered a collapse in the Australian batting lineup, with Afghanistan’s bowlers capitalizing on the breakthrough. Rashid Khan’s spin magic in the middle overs further tightened the screws on the Aussies, who struggled to build partnerships under pressure.
In the end, Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack prevailed, as the Australians fell short of the target by 21 runs. This remarkable victory not only secured Afghanistan’s place in the semi-finals but also helped them exorcise the demons from last year’s 50-over World Cup.
The team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure were the highlights of the match, earning them accolades from fans and pundits alike. As Afghanistan celebrated their historic win, they also sent a strong message to their upcoming opponents: they are a force to be reckoned with, capable of toppling even the strongest teams on their day.
