T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight, Afghanistan vs Australia Video Highlights: Turning Points, Stats and more - Cricket Winner
In a stunning upset at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Afghanistan has claimed a historic victory over Australia, winning by 21 runs at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.
| June 23, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Be winner today!
Get the latest cricket updates, Join our community
Cricket fans were in for a treat as Afghanistan pulled off a stunning victory against Australia at Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Ground. This match was not just another game in the Super Eight round of the 2024 T20 World Cup; it was a game-changer, opening up multiple possibilities for the semi-final slots and turning the remaining matches into must-win encounters for the competing nations.
Afghanistan’s dominant start
Afghanistan’s innings got off to a flying start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran taking the attack to the Australian bowlers. Invited to bat first, the duo capitalized on the powerplay, scoring 40 runs in the first six overs. Their aggressive yet calculated approach set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings, putting immense pressure on Australia’s spin-heavy bowling lineup.
See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: What are the Semi-final qualification scenarios for Group 1?
Gurbaz and Zadran’s half-centuries
Gurbaz and Zadran both notched up crucial half-centuries, with Gurbaz scoring 60 off 49 balls and Zadran contributing 51 off 48 deliveries. Their partnership was a display of precision and power, featuring well-timed boundaries and smart rotation of the strike. This solid start was pivotal in setting a challenging target for Australia.
Australia’s response
Australia struggled to contain the Afghan openers until Marcus Stoinis provided the breakthrough by dismissing Gurbaz in the 16th over. Senior spinner Adam Zampa then struck twice in quick succession, removing Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai, which slowed down Afghanistan’s momentum significantly.
Pat Cummins’ hat-trick
Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass in pace bowling by claiming a historic hat-trick, his second in three days. He dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib in successive deliveries, restricting Afghanistan’s total to 148-6. Cummins’ 3-28 was a highlight of the Australian bowling effort, showing why he is considered one of the best in the business.
Afghanistan’s middle-order struggle
Despite a solid start, Afghanistan’s middle-order faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. From a commanding 118-0, they slipped to 122-3 in the space of seven deliveries. This collapse highlighted the pressure exerted by Australia’s bowlers and the importance of having a strong finish in T20 cricket.
Australia’s chase
Chasing 149, Australia faced early setbacks with the loss of Travis Head, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession. Naveen-ul-Haq and Mohammad Nabi were instrumental in these breakthroughs, leaving Australia reeling at 32-3 within the powerplay. The early blows made the chase a daunting task for the Australians.
Glenn Maxwell’s counter-attack
Amidst the tumbling wickets, Glenn Maxwell launched a counter-attack, scoring a blistering 59 off 41 balls. His aggressive batting kept Australia in the hunt and reminded everyone of his match-winning capabilities. However, his dismissal to Gulbadin Naib proved to be the turning point, as it shattered Australia’s hopes of a comeback.
Afghanistan’s bowling prowess
Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Gulbadin Naib (4-20) and Naveen-ul-Haq (3-20), executed their plans perfectly. They maintained tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for Australian batsmen to score freely. The pressure built by these bowlers was crucial in defending the modest total and securing a memorable victory.
Historic victory for Afghanistan
The final moments of the match were nerve-wracking, but Afghanistan held their nerve to clinch a 21-run victory. The win was celebrated with great enthusiasm by players and fans alike, marking a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey. It was a testament to their growth and potential on the global stage.
Implications for the Super Eight Round
This victory has thrown the Super Eight round wide open. With teams like India, Australia, and Afghanistan vying for the two semi-final spots from Group 1, every match from here on is crucial. The result has set the stage for an exciting finish to the group stage, with multiple scenarios possible for the semi-final line-up.
Hat-tricks in consecutive international matches
Wasim Akram vs Sri Lanka (Tests, 1999)
Pat Cummins vs Bangladesh and Afghanistan (T20 WC 2024)
Australia’s Jimmy Matthews bagged two hat-tricks in the same Test against South Africa at Old Trafford in 1912.
Best bowling against AUS in T20 WCs
4/11 – Ravichandran Ashwin, Mirpur, 2014
4/20 – Gulbadin Naib, Kingstown, 2024*
4/26 – Shadab Khan, Dubai, 2021
Most consecutive wins in T20 WCs
8 – Australia (2022-2024) – streak ended today
7 – England (2010-2012)
7 – India (2012-2014)
6 – Australia (2010)
6 – Sri Lanka (2009)
6 – India (2007-2009)
> This is the first loss for Australia against Afghanistan in 6 international matches.
> All four matches at this venue have been won by the team batting first in this World Cup.
Lowest run-rate for a 100+ partnership in T20 WCs
7.10 – I Zadran v R Gurbaz vs NZ, Providence, 2024
7.45 – I Zadran v R Gurbaz vs AUS, Kingstown, 2024*
7.66 – V Kohli & Rohit Sharma vs WI, Mirpur, 2014
7.88 – Babar Azam & M Rizwan vs NAM, Abu Dhabi, 2021
8.00 – V Kohli & Rohit Sharma vs BAN, Mirpur, 2014
Two Hat-tricks in T20Is
Lasith Malinga (SL)
Tim Southee (NZ)
Mark Pavlovic (SER)
Waseem Abbas (MALTA)
Pat Cummins (AUS)
Pat Cummins also becomes the first bowler to take back-to-back hat-tricks in T20Is
Hat-tricks in Men’s T20 World Cups
Brett Lee (AUS) vs BAN, Cape Town, 2007
Curtis Campher (IRE) vs NED, Abu Dhabi, 2021
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) vs SA, Sharjah, 2021
Kagiso Rabada (SA) vs ENG, Sharjah, 2021
Karthik Meiyappan (UAE) vs SL, Geelong, 2022
Joshua Little (IRE) vs NZ, Adelaide, 2022
Pat Cummins (AUS) vs BAN, Antigua, 2024
Pat Cummins (AUS) vs AFG, Kingstown, 2024*
Australia bowlers with hat-tricks in T20Is
Brett Lee vs Bangladesh, Cape Town, 2007
Ashton Agar vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2020
Nathan Ellis vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2021
Pat Cummins vs Bangladesh, Antigua, 2024
Pat Cummins vs Afghanistan, Kingstown, 2024*
Most wickets for Australia in a T20 WC edition
14 – Dirk Nannes in 2010
13 – Adam Zampa in 2021
13 – Adam Zampa in 2024*
12 – Stuart Clark in 2007
Highest partnerships against Australia in T20 WCs
133 – Chris Gayle & Andre Fletcher, The Oval, 2009 (1st wkt)
119* – Misbah-ul-Haq & Shoaib Malik, Jo’burg, 2007 (5th wkt)
118 – R Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran, Kingstown, 2024 (1 wkt)*
Hundred opening stands in this WC
R Gurbaz & Ibrahim: 3
All other teams: 0
Tags:
AFG vs AUSAfghanistan vs Australiaaus va afgICC 2024 T20 World CupICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024ICC Men’s T20 World CupStatsSuper EightT20 World Cup 2024Video Highlights: Turning Points