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Afghanistan Stuns Australia in Upset T20 World Cup Victory
In a thrilling Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan upset cricket powerhouse Australia by 21 runs on Saturday. The victory marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as it is their first win against Australia in a T20 International.
Afghanistan’s Impressive Batting Performance
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a solid foundation with a 118-run partnership. Gurbaz scored 60 runs off 49 balls, while Zadran contributed 51 runs off 48 balls.
Australia’s Stuttering Chase
Australia’s chase got off to a poor start, losing wickets cheaply. Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis all failed to make significant contributions. Glenn Maxwell, who had been Australia’s hero in their previous match against England, looked threatening with a 59-run knock off 41 balls. However, his dismissal in the final over proved crucial.
Gulbadin Naib’s Match-Winning Performance
Gulbadin Naib was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance with the ball. He took four wickets for 20 runs in his four overs, including the crucial wicket of Maxwell. Naib’s bowling played a pivotal role in restricting Australia’s chase and securing the victory for Afghanistan.
Significance of the Win
This victory is a major upset and a significant achievement for Afghanistan. It is a testament to the team’s progress and their ability to compete at the highest level. The win also keeps Afghanistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
For Australia, this loss is a major setback. They must now win their final match against India to have any chance of progressing to the next round.
Reaction from the Players
Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi praised his team for their fighting spirit and determination. He said, “It was a great performance from the whole team. We played with a lot of heart and determination, and we deserved to win.”
Australia captain Aaron Finch was disappointed with his team’s performance. He said, “We didn’t bat well enough, and we didn’t bowl well enough. We were outplayed by a better team today.”
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan will now face Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match, while Australia will play India. The outcome of these matches will determine which teams will advance to the semi-finals.
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