Gulbadin Naib emerged as Afghanistan’s standout player, guiding his team to a stunning 21-run victory over the previously undefeated Australia in their Group One Super Eight match at the T20 World Cup at Arnos Vale Stadium on Saturday.
Pursuing a target of 149, Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41 balls, six fours, three sixes) kept Australia in contention until he was dismissed by Naib in the 15th over. This was Naib’s third wicket, paving the way for Afghanistan’s triumph. Naib finished with remarkable figures of four for 20 from his four overs of medium pace, helping bowl out Australia for 127 with four balls remaining. This marked Australia’s first loss to Afghanistan in a senior international match.
“It’s a great moment for me, my nation, my people,” said a jubilant Naib after receiving the Man of the Match award. “I learned a lot about the pitch from when we batted, and I’m grateful to (captain) Rashid (Khan) for having faith in me.”
Earlier in the match, Pat Cummins claimed his second consecutive hat-trick as Afghanistan’s innings lost momentum after a strong century opening stand from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, finishing at 148 for six after being put in to bat. Gurbaz top-scored with 60 off 49 balls (four fours, four sixes), while Zadran contributed 51 off 48 balls (six fours), giving Afghanistan an excellent platform of 118 by the 16th over.
However, a quick loss of four wickets for eight runs shifted the balance. Marcus Stoinis made the initial breakthrough, and leg-spinner Adam Zampa tightened the pressure with two wickets. Cummins then delivered the decisive blows, including the wicket of Rashid Khan at the end of the 18th over, followed by the dismissals of Karim Janat and eventual hero Naib at the start of the 20th over.
“It was an off night for us in the field, and we own that,” admitted Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. “We knew it was a challenging wicket, but both teams bowled and batted on it. We were simply outplayed by a better team on the night.”
Reflecting on the historic victory, Rashid Khan praised the decision to revert to their previous playing eleven after experimenting against India. “We believed that 140 was a good total on this wicket. The belief was there, and having many bowling options like Gulbadin makes the job easier as a captain,” he said.
With two teams from the group advancing to the semi-finals, Australia must now defeat unbeaten leaders India in St Lucia on Monday to secure their place in the last four. Afghanistan, also on two points like Australia, will remain in St Vincent to face Bangladesh later on Monday, by which time they will know what is required to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time.
