With a strong opening combination of 118 runs in St. Vincent on Saturday, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid the groundwork for Afghanistan’s incredible 21-run triumph over Australia, preserving their chances of making it to the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Even Pat Cummins’ second straight hat-trick was insufficient to keep Australia, the 2021 champions, undefeated in the competition. A victory would have sent Australia and India to the semi-finals.
On a difficult Kingstown surface, Afghanistan reached a competitive total of 148-6 thanks to half-centuries from Gurbaz and Zadran. After that, Afghanistan’s bowlers put on an outstanding display, dismissing Australia for 127 runs. With remarkable figures of 4-20, Gulbadin Naib emerged as the star bowler, while Naveen-ul-Haq made a substantial contribution with 3-20.
With the victory, Afghanistan’s chances of making it to the semifinals were preserved, while Bangladesh’s chances of competing were also preserved.
The outstanding bowler Naveen, who claimed three vital wickets, including Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, was instrumental in Afghanistan’s victory. His effort was a major factor in Australia’s defeat at 127.
Naveen expressed his unhappiness with the criticism the team has received in the past in a mysterious statement he posted on Instagram after the game. His message gently addressed the skeptics, demonstrating the team’s tenacity and will to disprove its detractors. It’s interesting to note that Jasprit Bumrah, the top pacer for India, shared the exact identical photo on Instagram stories in February of this year following an outstanding performance that helped India win the second Test against England.
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