Afghanistan vs. Australia: T20 World Cup 2024 Match Review
A pulsating cricket match played at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent etched Afghanistan’s name into cricket history. Their first-ever win over Australia sent shockwaves through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Let’s relive the drama and dissect the key moments:
Match Summary:
- Date: Sunday, 23 June 2024
- Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent
- Result: Afghanistan won by 21 runs
Afghanistan’s Batting Masterclass:
- Opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, set the stage ablaze. Their century stand (the third in this tournament) laid the foundation.
- Gurbaz (60) and Zadran (51) combined patience with aggression, leaving Australia searching for answers.
- The Afghans reached 148/6 in their allotted 20 overs, a competitive total on a pitch favoring spin.
Buttler’s Blitzkrieg:
- England’s chase was a masterclass led by captain Jos Buttler. His unbeaten 83 off 38 balls was a breathtaking display of power hitting.
- Buttler’s five sixes off one Harmeet over left the USA bowlers shell-shocked.
- Phil Salt (25* off 21) provided solid support as England cruised to victory within ten overs.
Cummins’ Hat-Trick Heroics:
- Pat Cummins, the Australian pace spearhead, scripted history by claiming a second consecutive T20 World Cup hat-trick. His fiery spell (3/28) rattled Afghanistan’s middle order.
- Despite Cummins’ heroics, Afghanistan’s total remained challenging.
Australia’s Uphill Battle:
- Chasing 149, Australia’s top order crumbled under Afghanistan’s seamers.
- Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41) fought valiantly, but Gulbadin Naib (4/20) and Naveen-ul-Haq (3/20) kept the pressure on.
- Maxwell’s dismissal left Australia at 106/6, still needing 43 off 32 balls.
Maxwell’s Déjà Vu:
- Glenn Maxwell’s explosive half-century seemed to revive Australia’s hopes.
- However, Naib and Noor Ahmad combined to halt Maxwell’s charge, leaving Australia stranded at 127.
Afghanistan’s Historic Moment:
- Gulbadin Naib’s career-best figures (4/20) dismantled Australia’s middle order.
- Afghanistan’s first-ever win over Australia across formats will be remembered as a historic moment.