HISTORIC UPSET: Afghanistan Stuns Australia in T20 World Cup 2024, Keeps Semifinal Hopes Alive

In a thrilling encounter, Afghanistan's cricket team scripted history by defeating a formidable Australia team by 21 runs in the AUS vs AFG T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match on Sunday (June 21) at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. This monumental victory not only keeps Afghanistan alive in the race to the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal but also marks their first-ever win over Australia in an international cricket match.

The Afghans' win was crucial, as a loss would have resulted in their elimination from the tournament. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60 runs off 49 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (51 off 48 balls) laid a solid foundation with a solid opening partnership of 118 runs, setting the stage for Afghanistan to reach a competitive total of 148, despite Pat Cummins's hat-trick. Benefiting from favorable pitch conditions, Naveen-ul-Haq and Gulbadin Naib shone brightly for Afghanistan's bowling attack. They combined to claim seven wickets in total, with Naveen-ul-Haq taking 3 wickets for 20 runs and Gulbadin Naib grabbing 4 wickets for 20 runs. Ultimately, Australia were bowled out for 127 runs in 19.2 overs, handing an unforgettable victory to the Afghans.

Why it Matters : This historic win has significant implications for the tournament. With four Super 8 matches remaining, the T20 World Cup 2024 is wide open, and no team has secured a semifinal berth yet. Afghanistan's victory sets up a crucial scenario where their upcoming final Super 8 match against Bangladesh on Monday (June 24) becomes a must-win game for them. Similarly, Australia's loss to Afghanistan now makes their upcoming match against India on Monday (June 24) a must-win game for them. The outcome of these matches will determine the semifinalists, making each game a high-stakes encounter.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has already witnessed several thrilling matches, and this upset has added to the excitement. With teams like England, South Africa, and the West Indies still in the fray, the tournament is poised for a thrilling conclusion. The remaining matches will be crucial in determining the semifinalists, and fans can expect more nail-biting encounters in the days to come.

Key Takeaways :

• Afghanistan defeats Australia by 21 runs in T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match, marking their first-ever win over Australia in an international cricket match.
• The victory keeps Afghanistan alive in the race to the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal, while Australia faces a must-win match against India on Monday (June 24).
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's solid opening partnership of 118 runs sets the stage for Afghanistan's competitive total of 148.
• Naveen-ul-Haq and Gulbadin Naib shine brightly for Afghanistan's bowling attack, claiming seven wickets in total.
• The T20 World Cup 2024 remains wide open, with four Super 8 matches remaining and no team having secured a semifinal berth yet.