A Landmark Victory That Changed Afghanistan's Cricketing Legacy
February 28, 2025: A few months ago, Afghanistan made history by securing their first-ever victory against Australia in international cricket, defeating the five-time world champions by 21 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent witnessed an unforgettable moment as Rashid Khan’s men defied the odds to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
How Afghanistan Stunned Australia
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Match: Super 8, ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent Result: Afghanistan 148/6 (20.0) defeated Australia 127 (19.2) by 21 runs
| Top Batters | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) | 60 (49) |
| Glenn Maxwell (AUS) | 59 (41) |
| Top Bowlers | Figures |
|---|---|
| Gulbadin Naib (AFG) | 4/20 (4) |
| Naveen-ul-Haq (AFG) | 3/20 (4) |
A Landmark Knock by Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran
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Opting to bat first, Afghanistan set a competitive total of 148/6, powered by a 118-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60 off 49) and Ibrahim Zadran (51 off 48). Their solid start put Australia under immense pressure, but quick wickets in the death overs prevented Afghanistan from crossing the 150-run mark.
Despite this, Gurbaz emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and continued his exceptional form, securing his third century partnership of the tournament.
Maxwell's Threat & Gulbadin Naib’s Heroics
Australia’s chase began on a disastrous note as Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed Travis Head for a duck. Mohammad Nabi and Naveen struck early, removing David Warner and Mitchell Marsh cheaply.
However, Glenn Maxwell once again looked set to turn the tide—having single-handedly demolished Afghanistan with a record-breaking double century in the 2023 ODI World Cup. But this time, Gulbadin Naib stood tall, delivering the knockout punch by dismissing Maxwell for 59.
Maxwell's wicket turned the match on its head, as Australia collapsed from needing 43 off 32 balls to being bowled out for 127.
Player of the Match: Gulbadin Naib (4/20 in 4 overs)
The Significance of This Victory
Afghanistan’s first-ever win over Australia in any format Kept their semi-final hopes alive in the T20 World Cup 2024 Ended Australia’s unbeaten streak against them (4 ODIs, 1 T20I before this match) Marked a defining moment for Afghanistan's cricketing rise on the global stage
This historic triumph was a testament to Afghanistan's resilience, proving that they are no longer underdogs but a growing powerhouse in world cricket. Their bowlers dominated, their batters held their nerve, and history was rewritten.
A victory Afghanistan will cherish forever!
Tags:
#AfghanistanCricket, #AUSvsAFG, #T20WorldCup2024, #HistoricWin, #GlennMaxwell, #RahmanullahGurbaz, #GulbadinNaib, #RashidKhan, #CricketRecords, #AfghanistanVsAustralia,
Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
