Afghanistan Beat Australia by 21 Runs create History
The recent match between Australia and Afghanistan was truly remarkable and worth watching. Afghanistan made history by defeating Australia by 21 runs.
From the start, Afghanistan’s batsmen dominated Australia. Their first wicket fell at 118 when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was out. He scored 60 runs off 49 balls, hitting 4 fours and 4 sixes. Ibrahim Zadran also provided excellent support, scoring 51 runs off 48 balls with 6 fours. He was dismissed when Mitchell Marsh caught him off Adam Zampa’s bowling, with Afghanistan’s score at 121. Afghanistan’s middle order didn’t contribute much to the score. Azmatullah scored only 2 runs, Karim Janat made 13 runs, and captain Rashid Khan was dismissed for a lower score. With contributions from Mohammad Nabi, who scored 10 runs, and Karim Janat, who added 13 runs, Afghanistan managed to reach a total of 148 runs.
Zadran and Gurbaz formed a solid partnership, scoring 118 runs off 95 balls together. Gurbaz was dismissed at 118 runs.
During the match, there was a heated moment between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Marcus Stoinis. This added some drama to an already intense game. The specifics of their exchange weren’t detailed, but it contributed to the overall excitement of the match.
Australia’s fielding was below their usual standards today. Ashton Agar missed two fielding chances and dropped a catch, while David Warner also dropped a catch. Despite this, Pat Cummins took his second hat-trick in three days. He is now the fifth bowler in the world to achieve two hat-tricks in T20 internationals. Cummins got his first hat-trick against Bangladesh in Anguilla, and today he took his second.
On the last ball of the 20th over, Mohammad Nabi hit a four, helping Afghanistan reach a total of 148 runs. Pat Cummins took 3 wickets, Adam Zampa took 2 wickets, and Marcus Stoinis took 1 wicket for Australia
Australia couldn’t chase the target of 149 runs, and their start was very poor. Travis Head was bowled by Naveen-ul-Haq on the third ball of the first over. David Warner also couldn’t do much and got out for 9 runs, caught by Nabi at square leg. Mitchell Marsh hit two boundaries to start well, but he too got out, caught by Nabi off Naveen-ul-Haq’s bowling, when the team’s score was just 16.
Glenn Maxwell started strong, as usual, reminding fans of his World Cup 2023 performance against the same team. He scored 59 runs off 40 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. However, while trying to hit an other big shot, he was caught by Noor Ahmad at point. In the 11th over, Stoinis got out while trying to hook a short ball from Gulbadin. This happened when the team’s score was 74 runs.
Australia lost their fifth wicket when Tim David was out LBW to Gulbadin with 85 runs on the scoreboard. Australia needed 43 runs from 33 balls when Maxwell got out, and the match changed direction. Maxwell’s wicket was the turning point of the match for Australia. In the 17th over, Gulbadin bowled a slow delivery to Cummins, and Australia’s score was 111 at that time. Australia needed 36 runs from 17 balls when Agar was caught by Gulbadin at cover, resulting in his dismissal.
In the 20th over, on the second ball, Zampa hit a shot towards mid-on where Nabi caught it cleanly. This historic catch helped Afghanistan defeat Australia by achieving their highest-ever successful run chase of 21 runs.
Gulbadin Naib took 4 wickets for 20 runs in his 4 overs and was awarded the Man of the Match. Afghanistan worked hard and won the match. It was a great team effort. Rashid Khan took 1 wicket, and Naveen-ul-Haq took 3 wickets to help secure the team’s victory.
Due to Afghanistan’s victory, they and Australia now have the same points. Australia will play against India on the 24th, and Afghanistan will play against Bangladesh on the 25th. If Australia loses to India and Afghanistan wins against Bangladesh, then India and Afghanistan will advance to the semi-finals.
In this T20 World Cup 2024, it will be interesting to watch both matches to find out who will get the ticket to the semi-finals, either Australia or Afghanistan. India has already reached the semi-finals undefeated in the tournament, with two consecutive wins in the Super 8.
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