In a remarkable turn of events, Afghanistan achieved their first-ever victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match on Sunday, a triumph that Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan hailed as a "massive win for us as a team and as a nation." The victory, which saw Afghanistan defeat the 2021 champions by 21 runs, came exactly one year after Glenn Maxwell had saved Australia from defeat against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup in India.
Afghanistan's innings saw
them post a score of 148-6, capitalizing on an uncharacteristically poor
fielding performance from Australia. The Australians, despite being the
defending champions, faltered and were bowled out for 127. This crucial win
keeps Afghanistan's hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive. "It's
not just like a bilateral game," Rashid emphasized. "It's a World Cup
game, and definitely in a World Cup, you're beating one of the best sides. It's
a great achievement."
Rashid elaborated on the
significance of this victory, noting its profound impact on Afghanistan and its
people. "It means a lot. Beating teams like Australia... it gives the
people back home so much hope. Especially the young generation getting involved
in the cricket. Cricket is the only source of happiness back home, you all know
that. And I feel like we are so lucky to be here giving this happiness to the
people back home. As a team, we can make them more proud and give them more
happiness."
The backdrop of political
tensions has added an extra layer of meaning to Afghanistan's cricketing
achievements. Cricket Australia had previously withdrawn from bilateral series
against Afghanistan, citing concerns over the "deterioration in human
rights" for women and girls under the Taliban regime. Rashid addressed
this issue, underscoring the importance of cricket to the Afghan people.
"Cricket is the only source of happiness back home," he reiterated.
"That's the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate.
And if we keep that source away from us as well, I don't know where Afghanistan
will remain. Once you take this source and happiness from us as well, I think
it's going to be hard for us. I don't think cricket is the solution of politics
and things like that. So, yeah, if we play in the World Cup, why don't we play
in bilateral series?"
Australian captain
Mitchell Marsh conceded that Afghanistan had outperformed his team,
acknowledging their progress and skill. "They're a very good cricket team
who play against the best all the time and they have improved a hell of a lot
over the last few years," Marsh said. "We know certainly in these
conditions that they are a big danger team. Like I said before, they outplayed
us tonight and credit to them."
With one match remaining
in the Super Eights, both Afghanistan and Australia have two points each, while
India leads the group with four points. Afghanistan's final game in the Super
Eights is against winless Bangladesh in Kingstown, St Vincent. Australia,
currently in second place due to run rate, will likely need a victory over
India in St Lucia to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Despite the setback,
Marsh expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back. "We have
a lot of belief in our group," he asserted. "We are a very good
cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night but I guess there's also a
positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. It's a big game, it will be against
India obviously and it's a must-win game. I think if you look back at the short
history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our
guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it."
The victory against
Australia marks a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket, symbolizing
resilience and hope for a nation where cricket remains a rare source of joy
amidst ongoing challenges.
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