Cummins record-breaking hat-trick to Bravo’s ‘Champion’ dance – Relive best moments from AUS-AFG T20 WC game

Australia seamer Pat Cummins became just the second man in cricket history to pick two hat-tricks in successive games, with former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram being the first. Though Cummins picked three wickets across two overs – similar to how he bagged against Bangladesh in the previous game, his heroic feat failed to win the game for Australia. On the other hand, Afghanistan’s bowling coach for this tournament, Dwayne Bravo, celebrated his team’s maiden win over the Oz by dancing to his famous album ‘Champion’ in the team bus.

Beginning with Cummins’ feat, he removed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib to complete his second T20I hat-trick. Cummins is the second Australian bowler after pace great Brett Lee to pick a T20 World Cup hat-trick.

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Besides, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis picked the remaining three wickets as Afghanistan scored 148 for six. For Afghanistan, openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 118 for the first wicket, completing their third hundred-plus stand in a single edition of this tournament – becoming the first pair to do so.

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Australia’s chase was, however, nowhere close to what they thought should be, as they lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. Glenn Maxwell turned back the clock with a blistering fifty but failed to hold onto one end as Gulbadin Naib tore into their middle order, picking four wickets.

Though spinners couldn’t make most of the slow track on offer, Naveen-ul-Haq headlined with his spell of three for 20, including removing Travis Head, clean bowled up front. A complete bowling show impressed the bowling coach, a T20 veteran himself.

Soon after, Afghanistan won the match by 21 runs, with fans and players turning up the vibe with jubilation.

Bravo’s team dance

Known to be dynamite and lively off the field, Bravo celebrated in the most Bravo style with his teammates, as a video of him and his teammates dancing to the tunes of his famous song ‘Champion’ did rounds on social media.

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Meanwhile, all four teams in Group A, including Australia, Bangladesh, India and Afghanistan, are in the race for the semis spot.

With all teams completing two games each, the remaining two matches in this group in Super 8 will determine who cruises to the semis.

India will take on Australia, while Afghanistan faces Bangladesh, with both games taking place on Monday (June 24).