Afghanistan also exacted a sweet revenge of their defeat they suffered against Australia in last year’s ODI World Cup.They came close in Mumbai but were denied by the heroics of Glenn Maxwell.
The team’s hunger to settle the score was clearly visible during their post-match celebrations.
“They hurt us in the ODI WC, Now We Hurt Them… Baat Khatam!” (It’s Settled!),” roared Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the dressing room, a video of which was shared by the ICC.
“Before the World Cup, I had said I was hungry for them (Australia),” reminded Gurbaz.
Captain Rashid Khan swiftly pointed out the significance of the number 23 for Afghanistan.
“23rd October and now 23rd June. It is a part of history. 23 is my favourite number now.”
Afghanistan stunned the undefeated Australian team in a thrilling T20 World Cup match, securing a 21-run victory and keeping their semifinal hopes alive.
Pat Cummins achieved a remarkable feat by claiming his second consecutive hat-trick, but Afghanistan still managed to set a competitive target of 148-6 on a challenging surface at St Vincent’s Arnos Vale Ground after being sent in to bat first.
Afghanistan pair Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on 118 for the highest opening partnership against Australia in a T20 match before Australia’s bowlers rallied late, including Cummins’ second career hat-trick – just two days after his first.
Australia then stumbled with the bat and were all out for 127, with only Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41 balls) coming to grips with the superb Afghanistan bowling attack and the turning wicket.