Afghanistan had come close to a big win twice before – in 2022 and 2023 – but it was on their third attempt that they truly shone under the bright lights of Aronos Vale Ground in St Vincent. In an incredible all-round performance, they defeated World Cup giants Australia. This memorable win was anchored by a third century partnership of the tournament between openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51). However, the standout performance came from veteran Gulbadin Naib, who took 4 wickets for just 20 runs while defending a total of 148. One of his key wickets was Glenn Maxwell, the last major obstacle between Afghanistan and their historic victory.

In the first two phases of the game, Afghanistan was strong. At the 15-over mark, they were 109/0, while Australia struggled at 108/6. Afghanistan faltered a bit towards the end on a tricky pitch but managed to induce a similar collapse in the Australian batting lineup (7 wickets for 56 runs). Maxwell’s dismissal in the 15th over, after scoring 59 off 41 balls, was a turning point in the game.

Australia chose to bowl first, replacing Mitchell Starc with Ashton Agar. Afghanistan aimed to build scoreboard pressure, and Agar’s early turn and bounce hinted at the challenging nature of the pitch. The pitch also had some assistance for Australia’s taller, faster bowlers. After 23 balls in the PowerPlay, Afghanistan had only 11 runs on the board. Then, Gurbaz broke free, hitting Cummins for a straight six. He followed this up with another six off Hazlewood, while Zadran hit three fours in the last over of the PowerPlay.

In the first four overs after the PowerPlay, spinners restricted Afghanistan to just 24 runs, with the openers playing cautiously to build a solid foundation. Their running between the wickets was sharp, and they benefited from some uncharacteristic errors by the Australian fielders. Marcus Stoinis dropped a catch off his own bowling, giving Zadran a reprieve, and Matthew Wade missed a stumping opportunity off Zampa, which would have dismissed Gurbaz. Gurbaz then hit Zampa for a straight six, and another misfield by Agar allowed a boundary. At 109/0 after 15 overs, with Gurbaz on 52 and Zadran on 49, Afghanistan looked set for a total of 160 or more.

This win has opened up Group 1 in the Super 8 phase. Afghanistan will stay in St Vincent to face Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match on June 24. Meanwhile, Australia will travel to St Lucia for a high-stakes match against India on the same day.