xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling encounter at the Arnos Vale Ground, Afghanistan achieved a historic victory over Australia, winning by 21 runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match. This win marks Afghanistan’s first triumph over the Australians at the international level after four ODIs and two T20Is, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final berth in the mega event.

Read More: Euro Cup 2024: Kid interrupts match to take a picture with idol Ronaldo

Afghanistan's skipper, Rashid Khan, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. "Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It's something we have missed in the last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys," Rashid said during the post-match presentation ceremony. He commended his teammates for maintaining their composure and executing their game plan against the 2021 champions.

Rashid emphasized the importance of consistency and strategy in their victory. "Quite important for us that we went back with the same playing XI. We're reading the opposition bowling line-up and selecting XI accordingly. 140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn't finish as well as we should have," he noted.

Read More: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: What strange request did Brian Lara make to Jasprit Bumrah?

The skipper also highlighted the critical role of the opening partnership in setting a strong foundation. "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," he added.

Afghanistan’s final match in the Super 8 stage is against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh at the same venue on Monday, June 24 (Tuesday, June 25 in India). This match will be crucial in determining their path to the semi-finals.