“So sad we can’t see you all play in Australia” – Usman Khawaja lauds Rashid Khan and Co. after Afghanistan beat Australia in 2024 T20 World Cup
Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has lauded Rashid Khan and Co. after Afghanistan beat Australia by 21 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup match in St Vincent on Sunday, June 23. It was Afghanistan’s first win over Australia in international cricket.
Khawaja called the Afghan players an inspiration and expressed disappointment at the two sides not playing bilateral series. Sharing Rashid Khan’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Khawaja quoted:
“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.”
Cricket Australia postponed a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in March 2023, citing the worsening condition of women and girls in Afghanistan after the Taliban took charge of the Asian country.
The stance changed following an improvement in conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan. Cricket Australia agreed to play Afghanistan in August but the series was postponed again.
“It is something we missed out, in 2023 ODI World Cup and also the 2022 World Cup” – Rashid Khan after Afghanistan beat Australia in T20 World Cup Super-8 clash
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was delighted to be third time lucky against Australia in ICC events. The leg-spinner pointed out how Afghanistan went close to defeating Australia in the last two World Cups.
Notably, Afghanistan lost to Australia by four runs and three wickets in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, respectively. Glenn Maxwell's double ton single-handedly helped Australia chase down 292 in the 50-over World Cup. He shared an unbeaten 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins (12 off 68) after Afghanistan reduced the Aussies to 91/7.
Rashid said in the post-match show (via ESPNCricinfo):
"It's a massive win for us as a team and nation. Beating Australia is a great feeling. It is something we missed out, in 2023 ODI World Cup and also the 2022 World Cup in Australia."
“So many allrounders give you option. Overall great effort by the boys. So, important for us at home and our fans around the world. Wherever Afghans are they were badly missing this win. It's just the beginning for us." he added.
With the win, Afghanistan kept themselves alive in the race to 2024 T20 World Cup knockouts. They will face Bangladesh in their next game at the same venue on Monday, June 24.
On the other hand, Australia’s place in the last four is in jeopardy. The Mitchell Marsh-led side must beat India in their upcoming Super-8 clash to get closer to the semifinals.
Click here for the AFG vs AUS 2024 T20 World Cup full scorecard.