Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was full of excitement after beating Australia in Super 8 stage match of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 22). The win opened up Group 1 which has India and Bangladesh as other two teams.

The win means there are multiple scenarios for all three teams to qualify for the semis apart from India which are all but sure to enter last four after two back-to-back wins in the knockout stage.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-can-india-be-knocked-out-after-afghanistans-surprise-win-over-australia-734377">T20 World Cup: Can India be knocked out after Afghanistan's surprise win over Australia?</a>

"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," said Rashid at the post-match presentation.

Talking about the game, Afghanistan batted first and scored 148 in 20 overs which skipper Rashid believed was a good total.

"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," he said.&nbsp;

Australia eventually fell short by 21 runs, thanks to Gulbadin Naib's career-best 4/20, as Afghans bowled the mighty Aussies out for 127 in 19.2 overs.

Rashid heaped big praise on Naib and said: "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."

The skipper said the win was important for the country marred by years of war and exit of the US in the recent times which left them in hands of Taliban.

"It's so important for us back home and around the world. I'm sure they're proud and would've enjoyed the game," Rashid noted.

Afghanistan next play against Bangladesh on June 25 in their last Super 8 match.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was full of excitement after beating Australia in Super 8 stage match of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 22). The win opened up Group 1 which has India and Bangladesh as other two teams.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was full of excitement after beating Australia in Super 8 stage match of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 22). The win opened up Group 1 which has India and Bangladesh as other two teams. The win means there are multiple scenarios for all three teams to qualify for the semis apart from India which are all but sure to enter last four after two back-to-back wins in the knockout stage. Also Read: T20 World Cup: Can India be knocked out after Afghanistan's surprise win over Australia? "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," said Rashid at the post-match presentation. Talking about the game, Afghanistan batted first and scored 148 in 20 overs which skipper Rashid believed was a good total. "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," he said. Australia eventually fell short by 21 runs, thanks to Gulbadin Naib's career-best 4/20, as Afghans bowled the mighty Aussies out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Rashid heaped big praise on Naib and said: "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." The skipper said the win was important for the country marred by years of war and exit of the US in the recent times which left them in hands of Taliban. "It's so important for us back home and around the world. I'm sure they're proud and would've enjoyed the game," Rashid noted. Afghanistan next play against Bangladesh on June 25 in their last Super 8 match.

T20 World Cup 2024: 'We didn't finish...,'  Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan after historic win vs Australia

Australia rode on Glenn Maxwell's unbelievable 201 not out as they chased down a competitive 292-run target versus Afghanistan in match 39 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Tuesday (Nov 7). Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Aussies were tottering at 91 for 7 before a breathtaking 202-run unbroken eighth-wicket stand between Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins (12&nbsp;not out) took their side home in 46.5 overs.

With the win, Australia became the third team to qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, Afghanistan are also not yet ruled out of the semis race. Here's how:

Afghanistan had a simple, or much clear&nbsp;way of going ahead before the Aussie encounter -- i.e.&nbsp;to win both matches. Now, they need to beat South Africa in their remaining fixture and also press for a big victory to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR), which is below other contenders Pakistan (+0.036) and New Zealand (+0.398). Afghanistan's NRR is in negative (-0.338).

In case they beat the Proteas but not by a big margin, they will hope both New Zealand and Pakistan lose their next matches convincingly.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lady-luck-smiles-on-glenn-maxwell-as-big-show-pulls-off-greatest-world-cup-run-chase-heres-how-x-reacted-656279">Lady luck smiles on Glenn Maxwell as 'Big Show' pulls off greatest World Cup run-chase, here's how X reacted</a>

Remaining fixtures for Afghanistan:

vs South Africa on November 10 in Ahmedabad.

Remaining match for New Zealand:

vs Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bangalore.

Remaining match for Pakistan:

vs England on November 11&nbsp;in Kolkata.

Earlier in the Australia clash, Afghanistan opted to bat first and rode on Ibrahim Zadran's majestic 129* and cameos from&nbsp;Azmatullah Omarzai (18-ball 22) and Rashid Khan (18-ball 35*) to post 291 for 5. Later, despite regular breakthroughs from Rashid, Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq, Afghanistan conceded the momentum to Australia -- who were set to be wrapped up under 150 -- as Maxwell's heroics stunned the entire stadium.&nbsp;His knock was laced with 21 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 157.03.

At the post-match presentation, a dejected Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said, "Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started very well and the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell didn't stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him. I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well. Our bowlers tried their best but he didn't give any chance to us. Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn't think it would be this way, part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa. He (Ibrahim Zadran) must be proud of himself, I am also proud that he is the first Afghan with a WC hundred."

Australia rode on Glenn Maxwell's unbelievable 201 not out as they chased down a competitive 292-run target versus Afghanistan in match 39 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Tuesday (Nov 7).

Australia rode on Glenn Maxwell's unbelievable 201 not out as they chased down a competitive 292-run target versus Afghanistan in match 39 of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Tuesday (Nov 7). Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Aussies were tottering at 91 for 7 before a breathtaking 202-run unbroken eighth-wicket stand between Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins (12 not out) took their side home in 46.5 overs. With the win, Australia became the third team to qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, Afghanistan are also not yet ruled out of the semis race. Here's how: Afghanistan had a simple, or much clear way of going ahead before the Aussie encounter -- i.e. to win both matches. Now, they need to beat South Africa in their remaining fixture and also press for a big victory to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR), which is below other contenders Pakistan (+0.036) and New Zealand (+0.398). Afghanistan's NRR is in negative (-0.338). In case they beat the Proteas but not by a big margin, they will hope both New Zealand and Pakistan lose their next matches convincingly. Also read: Lady luck smiles on Glenn Maxwell as 'Big Show' pulls off greatest World Cup run-chase, here's how X reacted Remaining fixtures for Afghanistan: vs South Africa on November 10 in Ahmedabad. Remaining match for New Zealand: vs Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bangalore. Remaining match for Pakistan: vs England on November 11 in Kolkata. Earlier in the Australia clash, Afghanistan opted to bat first and rode on Ibrahim Zadran's majestic 129* and cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai (18-ball 22) and Rashid Khan (18-ball 35*) to post 291 for 5. Later, despite regular breakthroughs from Rashid, Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq, Afghanistan conceded the momentum to Australia -- who were set to be wrapped up under 150 -- as Maxwell's heroics stunned the entire stadium. His knock was laced with 21 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 157.03. At the post-match presentation, a dejected Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said, "Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started very well and the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell didn't stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him. I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well. Our bowlers tried their best but he didn't give any chance to us. Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn't think it would be this way, part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa. He (Ibrahim Zadran) must be proud of himself, I am also proud that he is the first Afghan with a WC hundred."

Aus vs Afg: Despite Maxwell's INSANE 201*, Afghanistan still alive in ODI WC semifinal race! Here's how -

Afghanistan opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has thanked legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the century he scored against Australia at the World Cup. Zadran carried his bat through and scored a 143-ball 129-run innings, laced with eight boundaries and three maximums in front of a noisy Wankhede crowd.&nbsp;

Zadran also became the first Afghanistan batter to hit a century in the World Cup and helped set the country's highest total in the marquee tournament.&nbsp;

"I had a good chat with Sachin Tendulkar yesterday, he shared a lot of his experiences that I can’t express. I’m very thankful to him for sharing his 24-year playing experience&nbsp;and giving me a lot of confidence. I said before the match that I will bat like Sachin Tendulkar," said Zadran during the mid-innings break.&nbsp;

Tendulkar visited the Afghanistan team's practice session on Monday and held a lengthy chat with all the players and support staff. Later during the session, he was pictured engrossed in one-on-one conversations with players, discussing&nbsp;batting stance, follow-through, field settings and a lot more.

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Sachin Tendulkar pays the Afghanistan camp a visit 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC23</a> <a href="https://t.co/5a0dWfStSi">pic.twitter.com/5a0dWfStSi</a>
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1721521905369227380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Quizzed further about his scintillating innings, Zadran said that he had been anticipating a century after missing out on one against Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Feeling very good to become the first Afghan player to score a 100 in the World Cup. I want to score many more hundreds. I worked very hard for this tournament. Against Pakistan, I missed my ton, so I wanted to make it up in this game. I was feeling like I’d get a hundred in the next 3 matches."

Batting first, Afghanistan came up with a set plan and stuck to it right till the end. The batters played cautiously initially before teeing up during the death overs. Alongside Zadran, it was Rashid Khan (35* off 18) at the end that helped Afghanistan post a competitive total. As of the last update, Australia had been dealt an early setback in the form of Travis Head who nicked an outswinger from Naveen-ul-Haq to wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil.&nbsp;

Playing XIs 
 
Australia:&nbsp;Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'">Afghanistan:&nbsp;Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq

Afghanistan opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has thanked legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the century he scored against Australia at the World Cup.

Afghanistan opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has thanked legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the century he scored against Australia at the World Cup. Zadran carried his bat through and scored a 143-ball 129-run innings, laced with eight boundaries and three maximums in front of a noisy Wankhede crowd. Zadran also became the first Afghanistan batter to hit a century in the World Cup and helped set the country's highest total in the marquee tournament. "I had a good chat with Sachin Tendulkar yesterday, he shared a lot of his experiences that I can’t express. I’m very thankful to him for sharing his 24-year playing experience and giving me a lot of confidence. I said before the match that I will bat like Sachin Tendulkar," said Zadran during the mid-innings break. Tendulkar visited the Afghanistan team's practice session on Monday and held a lengthy chat with all the players and support staff. Later during the session, he was pictured engrossed in one-on-one conversations with players, discussing batting stance, follow-through, field settings and a lot more. Sachin Tendulkar pays the Afghanistan camp a visit 👏#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/5a0dWfStSi — ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 6, 2023 × Quizzed further about his scintillating innings, Zadran said that he had been anticipating a century after missing out on one against Pakistan. "Feeling very good to become the first Afghan player to score a 100 in the World Cup. I want to score many more hundreds. I worked very hard for this tournament. Against Pakistan, I missed my ton, so I wanted to make it up in this game. I was feeling like I’d get a hundred in the next 3 matches." Batting first, Afghanistan came up with a set plan and stuck to it right till the end. The batters played cautiously initially before teeing up during the death overs. Alongside Zadran, it was Rashid Khan (35* off 18) at the end that helped Afghanistan post a competitive total. As of the last update, Australia had been dealt an early setback in the form of Travis Head who nicked an outswinger from Naveen-ul-Haq to wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil. Playing XIs Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq

World Cup 2023: 'Will bat like Tendulkar', Ibrahim Zadran credits Indian legend for century against Australia

Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq pulled out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to abandon the forthcoming series against the Asian team in March this year. Citing Taliban's recent decision to further restrict women's right in the country, CA announced on Thursday, December 12th, of withdrawing from their scheduled ODI series against Afghanistan. Slamming this call from the Australian board, Naveen-ul-Haq in a tweet called this as a 'childish decision' and announced that he will not be participating for Sydney Sixers in BBL any further in a retaliation to this.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "Time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them #CA."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/major-update-on-rishabh-pants-injury-status-following-knee-surgery-he-will-take-time-to-recover-doctors-551895">Major update on Rishabh Pant's injury status following knee surgery; 'he will take time to recover' - Doctors</a>

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time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CA</a>
— Naveen ul haq Murid (@imnaveenulhaq) <a href="https://twitter.com/imnaveenulhaq/status/1613425084143927297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Not only Naveen, superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan also expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision. Rashid tweeted,&nbsp;

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Cricket! The only hope for the country. 
Keep politics out of it. <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketAus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACBofficials</a> ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ <a href="https://t.co/ZPpvOBetPJ">pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ</a>
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1613517048184975362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After detailed discussions with different stakeholders, including the Australian government, CA in a statement said the board is committed towards the growth of women's cricket around the world, including in the war-torn nation.&nbsp;

"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan. (We) will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will not be participating in the upcoming Women's U19 T20 World Cup, that begins in Benoni, South Africa on Saturday, January 14th. Afghanistan is the only ICC full-member country that doesn't have a women's team.

Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq pulled out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to abandon the forthcoming series against the Asian team in March this year.

Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq pulled out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to abandon the forthcoming series against the Asian team in March this year. Citing Taliban's recent decision to further restrict women's right in the country, CA announced on Thursday, December 12th, of withdrawing from their scheduled ODI series against Afghanistan. Slamming this call from the Australian board, Naveen-ul-Haq in a tweet called this as a 'childish decision' and announced that he will not be participating for Sydney Sixers in BBL any further in a retaliation to this. He tweeted, "Time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them #CA." ALSO READ: Major update on Rishabh Pant's injury status following knee surgery; 'he will take time to recover' - Doctors time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them #CA — Naveen ul haq Murid (@imnaveenulhaq) January 12, 2023 × Not only Naveen, superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan also expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision. Rashid tweeted, Cricket! The only hope for the country. Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ — Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023 × After detailed discussions with different stakeholders, including the Australian government, CA in a statement said the board is committed towards the growth of women's cricket around the world, including in the war-torn nation. "CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan. (We) will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," Cricket Australia said in a statement. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will not be participating in the upcoming Women's U19 T20 World Cup, that begins in Benoni, South Africa on Saturday, January 14th. Afghanistan is the only ICC full-member country that doesn't have a women's team.

Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq retaliate following Cricket Australia's decision to abandon Afghanistan ODIs