Afghanistan shocks Australia to keep up hopes for the semifinals

Afghanistan stunned Australia with a historic 21-run victory in St. Vincent to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan, needing a win to stay in the tournament, amassed 148-6 on a difficult wicket with to an outstanding opening partnership of 118 between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.

In the chase, they rapidly reduced Australia to 32-3 until Glenn Maxwell's 35-ball half-century turned things around for the 2021 winners.

However, just as Australia appeared to be winning, Gulbadin Naib got rid of Tim David and Marcus Stoinis before getting the winning wicket of Maxwell.

After then, Australia crumbled from 106-6 to 113-9, and in the last over, Afghanistan won - their first victory over Australia in any kind of cricket.

Player of the match Gulbadin remarked, "We've been waiting for a long time; it's a great moment for me, my nation, and my people."

Australia attempted a comeback with the ball after Pat Cummins had previously claimed his second hat-trick in as many games, becoming the first player to do so in T20 internationals; nevertheless, Afghanistan's score proved to be too much for them to handle.

"It's a massive win for us as a team and as a nation," said Rashid. "We have missed the wonderful experience of defeating champions during a World Cup.

"We're only getting started, and we have a great chance of qualifying for the semifinals."

In the meanwhile, Australia plays India in St. Lucia; a victory would probably be required to advance to the last four.