Afghanistan have rolled unbeaten World Cup heavyweights Australia, defending 149 with a stunning bowling performance.
Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-Ul-Haq tore strips through the Aussie order, taking three and four respectively on a dancing wicket.
Glenn Maxwell did his best to help settle the run chase, scoring 59 before the bottom order were routed with little fight.
Australia managed only 127, with the 21-run win keeping Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive.
Naib was animated with passion and emotion as Afghanistan charged to victory – but Australia had every chance to keep their winning run alive.
“They have outplayed Australia, no doubt about it,” Ricky Ponting said on Prime’s coverage.
“It’s been a comprehensive win, 21 runs is a big margin in T20 cricket.”
It took the Aussies 15 overs to take their first wicket of the innings, but a surge from Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa helped sap Afghanistan of late runs and momentum.
The wicket provided turn and movement for the spinners, while seam and bounce had no shortage for both team’s quicks.
Josh Hazlewood had a tough night with the rock – carted for 39 off his four overs as Ashton Agar proved best for Australia’s economy, going at a touch beyond four an over.
Australia were in trouble early at the crease when the big scalp of Travis Head was taken in the first over by Ul-Haq.
Warner’s time out in the middle was largely uneventful – the experienced opener caught out for three off eight deliveries. It was Mohammad Nabi’s first delivery of his one over spell.
Hazlewood and Zampa were assigned with 24 to get from the final over, leaving too tall a task for two tail batsman.
“We were outplayed tonight,” Australian T20 captain Mitch Marsh said.
“It wasn’t the easiest of wickets.”
Gulbadin Naib celebrates after dismissing Glenn Maxwell. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
“First and foremost, it becomes really clear now we just need to win (against India). We had an off night tonight but full credit to Afghanistan.”
Rashid Khan was incredibly proud of his team and the win for Afghanistan cricket.
“The way Gulbadin bowled today, his experience really helped us,” Khan said.
“It’s so important for us. All around the world, I think it’s just the beginning for us now.”
Afghanistan took on Australia’s quicks with the bat early, as their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a stunning 118-run partnership.
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Australia went on to take six wickets for 30 runs over the next five overs, as only Karim Jarat was the only other batsman with a score above 10 (13).
It was a grim batting card for Australia on the other hand, as only Maxwell managed to score above 12. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis did little with the willow, while Tim David also added zero – given out by a close LBW call.
“It was a team effort. The whole team bowled well,’ player of the match Gulbadin Naib said post game.
“We beat at last Australia. It’s a great achievement for cricket in Afghanistan.
“For our cricket it is a big achievement. Our journey starts now.”
Naib went on a wild run with the ball, taking three consecutive wickets in the crux of Australia’s order. The quick succession dismissals of Maxwell, Stoinis and David ruled any sort of comeback out of the picture.
Prior to Maxwell’s departure, Australia seemed to settle early issues with the big show at the crease – but when he was caught in the 15th over, hopes dwindled quickly.
Afghanistan now face Bangladesh in their final group match, while Australia head into a mouth-watering clash against India.
The semi-final situation now brings three sides into contention for group one, with India practically assured a spot due to their net run rate and four points.
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