WATCH: Emotions pour out on field as Afghanistan defeat mighty Australia for first time in history

Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history by defeating Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The former champions failed to chase down a target of 149 runs in the Super 8 clash in Kingstown, St Vincent on Sunday (June 23), as Afghan bowlers held their nerve to record their maiden international victory over Australia.

Last year in Mumbai, they came close to scripting history but were denied by Glenn Maxwell's heroics. He threatened to do the same this time, but Gulbadin Naib's late heroics ensured his team did not let the game slip away from them. Australia were in a comfortable position at one stage but eventually, lost by 21 runs and Afghanistan kept themselves alive in the tournament. 

Emotions were pouring out on the field after Mohammad Nabi took the catch of Australia's final man Adam Zampa in the second ball of the last over. The Afghanistan players did not hesitate to bask in the joy of creating history in a must-win game. Last year they had a heartbreak but switched to ecstasy within a few months. 

Watch the video of Afghanistan players celebrating their epic win:

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Gulbadin Naib’s match-winning spell of 4/20 overshadows Pat Cummins' hat-trick 

After being invited to bat first, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran once again stepped up for the Afghan side as they stitched a 118-run partnership for the first wicket on a difficult pitch. However, Australia managed to get rid of the duo in quick succession and Afghanistan fell like a pack of cards from there. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins grabbed the limelight in the first innings by becoming the first bowler in T20I history to take back-to-back hat-tricks.

In reply, Australia suffered an early setback as they lost Travis Head in the very first over. Australia were reduced to 32/3 as Naveen-ul-Haq and Mohammad Nabi did the needful for Afghanistan with the new ball. With Maxwell being brilliant at one end, with a fine half-century, Australia look to clear the mark comfortably.

But Gulbadin Naib came in to rescue with a match-winning spell of 4/20. He took successive wickets, including Maxwell's, and shifted the momentum towards Afghanistan. With this victory, Afghanistan ensured they are in the race for a semi-final spot. Afghanistan should beat Bangladesh in their last match and hope that India would win against Australia. 

Also Check: How Afghanistan and Australia can qualify for the Semi-Finals