Cricket Shock: Australia Stunned by Afghanistan’s Historic Win at T20 World Cup
In a stunning turn of events, Australia suffered a shocking 21-run defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in their 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight clash. The loss has thrown the defending champions’ semi-final hopes into disarray.
Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60 off 49) and Ibrahim Zadran (51 off 48), forged a record-breaking 118-run partnership, the highest ever against Australia in T20 cricket. Despite a spirited fightback by Australia’s in-form pacer Pat Cummins, who claimed a hat-trick, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 148-6.
Chasing 149, the Australian batting lineup struggled to cope with the challenging pitch conditions. They were reduced to 32-3 in the powerplay, as the Afghan quicks asserted their dominance. Glenn Maxwell’s valiant 59-run knock raised hopes, but his dismissal in the 15th over by Gulbadin Naib (4-20) proved to be the turning point.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 127 in the final over, leaving them to rue their sloppy fielding and sluggish start. The defeat means Australia may have to rely on their net run-rate to secure a semi-final berth, even if they manage to defeat India in their final Super Eight match.
This historic victory keeps Afghanistan’s own fairytale semi-final dreams alive, as they look ahead to their crucial clash against Bangladesh.
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