by: TN Media News Pakistan:
In a sensational upset at the T20 World Cup today, Afghanistan stunned Australia with a thrilling 21-run victory, marking one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history. The match, held at a buzzing stadium, witnessed a remarkable performance by the Afghan team, who outplayed the tournament favorites with exceptional skill and determination.
Afghanistan, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 165 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a scintillating 75 off 48 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes. His aggressive approach provided the impetus Afghanistan needed, while valuable contributions from Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran ensured a solid finish.
Australia’s bowlers, despite early breakthroughs, struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins picked up two wickets each, but the persistent counter-attacks from Afghanistan’s middle order kept the scoreboard ticking.
Chasing 166 for victory, Australia started confidently with openers David Warner and Aaron Finch putting up a steady partnership. However, the introduction of spin turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor. Rashid Khan, showcasing his world-class talent, delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs. His clever variations and sharp turn bamboozled the Australian batsmen, triggering a dramatic collapse.
Australia’s middle order crumbled under pressure, with key players falling cheaply. Despite a valiant effort from Glenn Maxwell, who scored a quickfire 35, the required run rate kept escalating. Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained their composure, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq chipping in with crucial wickets.
The Australian innings faltered, and they were eventually bowled out for 144 in 19.3 overs, falling short by 21 runs. The Afghan team erupted in celebration, having secured a historic victory against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
Afghanistan’s captain praised the team’s outstanding performance, highlighting the collective effort and resilience shown by the players. “This win is a testament to our hard work and belief,” he said in the post-match presentation. “We played fearless cricket and it paid off.”
Australia’s captain, while acknowledging Afghanistan’s excellent performance, expressed disappointment at his team’s batting collapse. “We didn’t execute our plans well, especially against their spinners. We need to regroup and come back stronger in the next match,” he stated.
This remarkable victory propels Afghanistan into contention for the knockout stages, injecting new excitement into the tournament. Fans around the world celebrated the underdog triumph, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket.
As the T20 World Cup continues, all eyes will be on Afghanistan to see if they can build on this momentum, while Australia will look to bounce back and reaffirm their championship aspirations.
