Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Cricket fans around the world witnessed something truly special on June 22, 2024, at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent. In what many are calling one of the most inspiring matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan pulled off their first-ever victory against the powerhouse Australian cricket team, winning by 21 runs.

This wasn’t just another match—it was a defining moment for Afghan cricket. The team’s resilience, unity, and strategic brilliance shone through every over, marking a turning point in their cricketing journey.

Setting the Stage: Afghanistan’s Strong Start

Afghanistan’s opening partnership was the backbone of their innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a spectacular show, building a 118-run opening stand that silenced critics and ignited hope among fans.

• Gurbaz smashed 60 runs off 49 balls with 4 boundaries and 4 sixes.

• Zadran was equally impressive, scoring 51 runs off 48 balls with six fours.

Their partnership not only set the tone but also frustrated Australia’s pace attack. Despite a few quick wickets towards the end, Afghanistan managed to post a competitive total of 148/6 in 20 overs—a total that would soon become historic.

Afghanistan Batting Highlights

Though Pat Cummins tried to swing momentum with a brilliant hat-trick, the Afghan side held strong till the end.

The Turning Point: Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance

Australia’s chase began on shaky ground. Within just three balls, Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed Travis Head, setting the tone for what would become a nightmare chase for the Aussies.

From there, Afghanistan’s bowlers worked in perfect rhythm:

• Naveen-ul-Haq: 4 overs, 3 wickets, 20 runs

• Gulbadin Naib: 4 overs, 4 wickets, 20 runs

• Rashid Khan: 4 overs, 1 wicket, 23 runs

Each bowler played a critical role, ensuring that no Australian batter could settle. The star of the night, Gulbadin Naib, turned the match on its head with his disciplined line and length. His 4/20 performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match title.

Australia’s Struggle with the Bat

The mighty Australian batting lineup, known for their composure under pressure, simply couldn’t handle Afghanistan’s intensity.

Aside from Maxwell’s fighting 59, no other player crossed double digits comfortably. Once Naib dismissed Maxwell, it was all downhill for Australia.

How the Match Unfolded

1–5 Overs:

Afghanistan started cautiously, focusing on building a foundation. Australia’s bowlers, including Hazlewood and Zampa, struggled to make an early breakthrough.

6–10 Overs:

Gurbaz and Zadran began to shift gears. The powerplay ended in Afghanistan’s favor, with runs flowing freely and the crowd roaring in excitement.

11–15 Overs:

The partnership flourished, frustrating Australia’s attack. By the 15th over, Afghanistan was in full control.

16–20 Overs:

Pat Cummins’ late hat-trick brought Australia some relief, but by then, Afghanistan had already done the damage with 148 runs on the board.

Australia’s Innings Breakdown

1–3 Overs:

Early collapse! Naveen-ul-Haq’s fiery pace and swing dismissed Travis Head for a duck. Within 3 overs, Australia was 16/2.

4–6 Overs:

David Warner attempted to steady the innings but fell to Mohammad Nabi. The Aussies were restricted to 33/3 after the powerplay.

7–10 Overs:

Glenn Maxwell showed some resistance, scoring a rapid half-century. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained tight control.

11–15 Overs:

The breakthrough came when Naib dismissed Maxwell for 59, effectively crushing Australia’s comeback hopes.

16–19.2 Overs:

The end came quickly. Afghanistan cleaned up the tail, bowling Australia out for 127 in 19.2 overs.

Key Moments That Defined the Match

1. Gurbaz & Zadran’s Opening Partnership
   Their 118-run stand laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s win, showing the world the team’s batting maturity.

2. Pat Cummins’ Hat-Trick
   Despite the loss, Cummins’ hat-trick was a standout performance, proving his world-class talent.

3. Naveen-ul-Haq’s Early Breakthroughs
   His double strike in the powerplay destabilized Australia’s top order right from the start.

4. Gulbadin Naib’s Match-Winning Spell
   Taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs, Naib’s all-round performance sealed the game.

5. Glenn Maxwell’s Lone Resistance
   Maxwell’s 59 runs gave Australia brief hope before Naib ended the dream.

Full Match Summary

What This Win Means for Afghanistan

This victory wasn’t just about cricket—it was about national pride, perseverance, and proof that hard work pays off. For years, Afghanistan has been the underdog, often challenging cricket’s giants but rarely overcoming them.

But on that June night, everything changed. They not only beat a top-tier team like Australia but also secured a place in the semi-finals, marking a new era in Afghan cricket.

The win sent a message to the cricketing world: Afghanistan is no longer just an underdog—they’re a team to be reckoned with.

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Final Thoughts

The Afghanistan vs Australia 2024 T20 World Cup match will be remembered as one of the sport’s most emotional and inspiring moments. From Gurbaz’s fearless batting to Naib’s game-changing spell, every aspect of the match reflected the spirit of a team rising against all odds.

For fans, this wasn’t just a game—it was a story of passion, belief, and breakthrough success.

FAQs

1. Who won the Afghanistan vs Australia T20 World Cup 2024 match?
Afghanistan won by 21 runs—their first-ever victory against Australia.

2. Who was the Player of the Match?
Gulbadin Naib, for his outstanding 4-wicket haul for just 20 runs.

3. Where was the match played?
At Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent.

4. What were the final scores?
Afghanistan – 148/6 (20 overs)
Australia – 127 all out (19.2 overs)

5. What made this match historic?
It marked Afghanistan’s first win over Australia and secured their spot in the semi-finals.