Wasim Jaffer and Michael Vaughan have asserted that Afghanistan’s historic victory over Australia should not be underestimated. Afghanistan secured a memorable win against the Aussies on , Sunday.
New Delhi: The cricketing fraternity on Sunday morning woke up to the news of Afghanistan shocking Australia in their biggest-ever victory in history. With a T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal at stake, Rashid Khan’s men upset the mighty Australians by 21 runs in the Super 8 stage at St.Vincent. Afghanistan’s victory serves as sweet revenge for the heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup last year, following Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201.
Defending a modest 149, all-rounder Gulabdin Naib delivered career-best figures of 4/20, while Naveen-ul-Haq contributed with 3/20, bundling Australia out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Earlier, Afghanistan had also triumphed over New Zealand in the group stage. Afghanistan’s thrilling win added a new dimension to the T20 World Cup Super 8s, thus intensifying the stakes for India.
Rohit Sharma’s men now face a must-win situation against Australia in their final Super 8 game to secure a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s path to the last four hinges on their upcoming clash against Bangladesh. Should Afghanistan triumph in that match, and India beat Australia, the Jonathan Trott-coached side will book their first-ever place in any ICC tournament semifinals.
While Afghanistan players celebrated their win on the Caribbean islands, former cricketers also took out time to lavish praise on the Asian giants. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer was quick to praise the effort from the Afghan players, and said no one should be disrespecting Rashid Khan and Co. by calling this an upset.
“Do not disrespect Afghanistan by calling this an upset. Afg are good enough to beat any team on their day. They played to their potential today and defeated a very good Aus team. A fact that should be celebrated. Congratulations and well played @ACBofficials,” said Jaffer.
Do not disrespect Afghanistan by calling this an upset. Afg are good enough to beat any team on their day. They played to their potential today and defeated a very good Aus team. A fact that should be celebrated. Congratulations and well played @ACBofficials 👏🏼👏🏼 #AUSvAFG pic.twitter.com/e3Ydxap3kC
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 23, 2024
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that it shouldn’t be a surprise any more that Afghanistan can produce performances like this. “It’s no surprise anymore that Afghanistan produce performances like we have just witnessed .. Extremely skillful set of players & brilliantly led by Rashid Khan,” said Vaughan.
It’s no surprise anymore that Afghanistan produce performances like we have just witnessed .. Extremely skillful set of players & brilliantly led by @rashidkhan_19 ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2024
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted benefits of having batters who can bowl as well in the time of need. “Great win for Afghanistan! Used 8 bowlers to defend 148. Shows the benefits of having batters who can roll their arm over,” said Manjrekar.
Great win for Afghanistan! Used 8 bowlers to defend 148. Shows the benefits of having batters who can roll their arm over. 👏👏👏#AfghanistanCricket
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 23, 2024
Afghanistan will play Bangladesh on June 24 – the same day on when India take on Australia.