New Delhi: Afghanistan hope their stunning T20 World Cup over mighty Australia would start of a new dawn for cricket in the country.
In a must-win game, the Afghans up their maiden win over Australia in a Super Eights clash in Kingstown to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Half-centuries from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) pulled them to 148 for 6 after which all-rounder Gulabdin Naib’s career-best 4/20 bowled out Australia for 127 in 19.2 overs for an inspiring 21-run win.
It led to their skipper Rashid Khan dedicating the veictiry to his team members of the war-torn nation.
“Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It’s something we missed in last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys,” Rashid said at the post-match presentation.
“140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn’t finish as well as we should have. Opening partnership gave us best start. On this wicket, anything 130-plus, we were capable of defending it as long as we kept calm and had the belief. That’s the beauty of this team, having all-rounders and having options.”
Rashid praised Naib, saying: “The way Gulbadin bowled today – the experience he has, it came good today. The way Nabi started – the wicket of Warner – was also pleasing to see.
“It’s so important for us back home and around the world. I’m sure they’re proud and would’ve enjoyed the game.”
‘Journey begins now’
Player of the match Naib said he hoped this win would kickstart a new era of cricketing success for the nation after coming close to beating Australia in the ODI World Cup last year.
“We were waiting for a long time. Great moment for me, my nation, my people. Big achievement for our cricket. Thanks to our fans for supporting our cricket journey. We worked hard for the last 2 months, and the result is in front of you,” he said.
“We beat Australia at last! It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket, our history isn’t too much so this is a great achievement.
“We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now. We have great management and I’m very fortunate to have this team. Every game is important, we will rest tomorrow and think about it.”
In a must-win game, Afghanistan won by 21 runs for their maiden win over Australia Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
