Arnos Vale Stadium witnessed a momentous event as Afghanistan secured a historic 21-run victory against Australia in the T20 World Cup. This match marks another impressive performance by the Afghan team.
Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, delivered an outstanding partnership, amassing 118 runs without losing a wicket until the 15.1 over. Gurbaz scored 60 runs off 49 balls, while Zadran contributed 51 off 48 deliveries.
Naveen-ul-Haq was pivotal in the bowling attack, taking down Australian opener Travis Head and capturing the crucial wicket of Mitchell Marsh in the third over. By the end of the powerplay, Australia had lost three wickets.
The Australian middle order saw a brief resurgence with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis forming a promising partnership. However, it was disrupted in the 11th over when Stoinis was caught behind by the keeper off a delivery from Gulbuddin Naib. Maxwell, who had been instrumental in a narrow victory against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, was also dismissed by Naib in the 15th over, scoring 59 runs off 41 balls.
Gulbuddin Naib’s stellar performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, as he took four wickets for just 20 runs.
Afghanistan will advance directly to the semi-finals if they defeat Bangladesh and Australia loses.
