Afghanistan shock Aussies to keep alive semi-final dreams

Underdogs Afghanistan batted, bowled and fielded magnificently to shock powerhouses Australia by 21 runs in an historic result which blew Group One of the Twenty20 World Cup Super Eights wide open here late Saturday.

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) blasted half-centuries to underpin Afghanistan’s total of 148 for six off their 20 overs, after they were sent in on a turning pitch at the Arnos Vale Stadium.

And fast bowler Gulbadin Naib followed up with superb figures of four for 20 in four explosive overs as Australia crumbled for 127 with four balls left, to taste defeat for the first time in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell hinted at producing something special with a top score of 59 off 41 deliveries but he was the only one to pass 12, new ball seamer Naveen-ul-Haq chipping in with three for 20 from his four to help Afghanistan beat Australia for the first time ever in a cricket match.

“I feel like tonight because of the happiness I won’t be able to sleep – that’s how happy the whole team is in the whole country,” an elated captain Rashid Khan said afterwards.

“And it’s a massive win for us as a team, as a nation. It’s not just like a bilateral game, it’s a World Cup game and definitely in a World Cup, you’re beating a best side. 

“It’s a great achievement. And you’re the winners of [the] 2021 World Cup so beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well.”

Rahmanullah faced 49 balls, striking four fours and as many sixes while Ibrahim weighed in with half-dozen fours, the pair posting 118 – a record third century stand of the showpiece.

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