Kingstown
The cricketing world is in disbelief over what unfolded in Kingstown, with Afghanistan beating Australia in a T20 World Cup classic, avenging last year’s World Cup loss they suffered at the hands of the mighty Aussies. Though the fans from the sub-continent cannot stop celebrating this feat, the Australian Team knows what lies between them (facing India in their last Super 8 match) and the semis spot. Meanwhile, several former stars and broadcasters took to social media to congratulate Afghanistan on this clinical win.
For Afghanistan, there were more than a couple of protagonists in this massive win. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran completed their third hundred-plus stand in this T20 World Cup, with Gurbaz top-scoring with 61 while Zadran hit 51 off 48 balls.
ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Afghanistan shock Australia in major upset after Cummins’ second hat-trick
In the bowling department, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib starred with a four-wicket haul, including picking Glenn Maxwell on 59. Seamer Naveen-ul-Haq also returned with three wickets for 20 runs, as Afghanistan stunned former champions with a dominating show.
Pat Cummins created history by picking his second-straight T20 WC hat-trick against Afghanistan, removing three batters on three balls across two overs – similar to his show against Bangladesh in the previous match.
Now, considering that Group A is wide open, with all four teams in contention for a semis spot, the remaining two matches (in Super 8) between Australia and India and Bangladesh and Afghanistan will decide the fate of the two teams cruising ahead.
Let’s see how social media reacted to Afghanistan’s stunning win over the mighty Aussies in this T20 World Cup.
Do not disrespect Afghanistan by calling this an upset. Afg are good enough to beat any team on their day. They played to their potential today and defeated a very good Aus team. A fact that should be celebrated. Congratulations and well played @ACBofficials ???? #AUSvAFG pic.twitter.com/e3Ydxap3kC
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 23, 2024
Such wonderful, emotional pictures coming through of Afghanistan beating Australia for the first time. Another giant step forward for an embattled nation. Such spirit, such energy, such desire
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2024
Afghan ??? #T20WorldCup
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) June 23, 2024
This is big… @ACBofficials topple Australia for the very first time!
Hats off to @rashidkhan_19 and his team of true fighters. #T20WorldCup
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 23, 2024
Gulbadin Naib with the ball & Gurbaz and Zadran with the bat have just led Afghanistan to a historic win over Australia in the T20 WC!
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) June 23, 2024
Wow wow wow! Super start to a Sunday morning to watch the brave men of Aghanistan defeat the mighty Australians. Deserve every bit of their success: played with great heart and a lot of skill. Well played @rashidkhan_19 and team, especially muscleman Naib! Not easy to defeat…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 23, 2024
The World Cup of unbelievable results! Cricket- you beautiful game. #T20WorldCup
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) June 23, 2024
Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can't see you all play in Australia. https://t.co/d7PMfxTcgN
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) June 23, 2024
Congratulations to @rashidkhan_19 and the Afghanistan team. History made. Looking forward to seeing how Aussies bounce back. #T20WorldCup
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) June 23, 2024
Great win for Afghanistan .. they have a genuine chance now of reaching the final .. They will fancy beating any of the teams in the other group in Trinidad with their bowling attack .. #T20WorldCup
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2024
Some game of cricket that ? - congrats @ACBofficials on a historic win! What @rashidkhan_19 and Jonathan Trott are building is incredibly exciting for world cricket.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 23, 2024