"Well done! Revenge of the 2023 WC served" - Fans erupt as Afghanistan beat Australia by 21 runs in 2024 T20 World Cup clash
A clinical all-around display helped Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan beat Mitchell Marsh’s Australia by 21 runs in their 2024 T20 World Cup clash at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent on Saturday, June 22. With the victory, Afghanistan also avenged their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The win keeps Afghanistan alive in the race to the 2024 T20 World Cup knockouts, while Australia's chances to make the last four are now in jeopardy.
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted 148/6 in 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 60 off 49 balls with the help of four sixes and as many boundaries. Ibrahim Zadran also chipped in with 51 off 48 deliveries, hitting six boundaries. Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi were the other two players to reach double digits.
Pat Cummins, who took his second successive T20 World Cup hat-trick, finished with figures of 3/28, while Adam Zampa bagged two wickets.
In response, Australia were bundled out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell put up the lone fight, scoring 59 off 41 balls, including three sixes and six boundaries. Captain Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis were the other batters to reach double digits. Gulbadin Naib starred with the ball for Afghanistan, picking up four wickets, while Naveen-ul-Haq bagged three wickets.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) lauded Afghanistan for their victory over Australia. One user wrote:
"Afghanistan came close to defeating Australia twice in last two World Cups, and now finally won against them. They have well and truly arrived at the big stage."
Another user wrote:
"AFGHANISTAN - THE SECOND BEST ASIAN TEAM... WITHOUT ANY DOUBTS."
"What a moment for Afghanistan cricket! Beating the mighty Aussies is no joke. Well done! Revenge of the 2023WC served," another chimed in.
Here are a few more fan reactions:
"Our journey starts now" - Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib reacts to Afghanistan's win over Australia at T20 World Cup
Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib lauded his team after they beat Australia in their 2024 T20 World Cup clash. Naib, who finished with figures of 4/20, also credited his bowling partners and the opening batters for their excellence. He said in his post-match comments:
"We were waiting for a long time. Great moment for me, my nation, my people. Big achievement for our cricket. Thanks to our fans for supporting our cricket journey. We worked hard for the last two months, and the result is in front of you. Thanks to Rashid for trusting me."
Naib added:
"This was a complete team effort. The way Naveen bowled, the way Gurbaz and Ibrahim batted. We beat Australia at last! It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket, our history isn’t too much so this is a great achievement."
"We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now."
Afghanistan will next play against Bangladesh in their last T20 World Cup Super-8 clash at the same venue on Monday, June 24, while Australia will lock horns with India in their final Super-8 game in Gros Islet on the same day.
Click here for the AFG vs AUS 2024 T20 World Cup full scorecard.