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After Afghanistan’s thrilling 8-run victory over Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024, all-rounder Najibullah Zadran took a dig at Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins. Zadran’s remarks followed Australia’s elimination from the tournament under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership.
The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan team secured their spot in the semifinals after their tense encounter at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent on Monday, June 24 (local time). They became the second team, alongside Rohit Sharma’s India, to advance from Super 8 Group 1.
Australia began the Super Eight stage strongly with a win over Bangladesh but stumbled against Afghanistan, leading to their unexpected exit. In their final Super Eight match, Australia’s hopes were dashed further with a 24-run defeat to India in St Lucia on Monday.
Having relied on Bangladesh to boost their semifinal chances, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions were left disappointed as Bangladesh couldn’t overcome Afghanistan. Despite Australia holding a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), it wasn’t enough to secure their passage to the next round.
Following Afghanistan’s clinching of the final semifinal berth over Australia in the T20 World Cup, Najib Zadran took to Twitter to mockingly comment on Pat Cummins’ earlier prediction of the tournament’s top four teams.
You Can Choose Which Three You Want said Pat Cummins
Prior to the commencement of the T20 World Cup, Pat Cummins expressed strong confidence in Australia’s qualification for the semifinals. He asserted that Australia’s place in the top four was certain, leaving the remaining three spots up for debate.
“Definitely Australia. And then you can choose which three you want,” Cummins said when asked about the other potential semifinalists for the T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup has been marked by significant victories over strong opponents. They first defeated title contenders New Zealand in the group stage to advance to the Super Eight phase. Then, they surprised Australia to stay in contention for a semifinal berth. Their momentum continued with a dramatic win over Bangladesh, securing their place in the semifinals.
Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan defended a target of 115 runs in a rain-shortened match. Pacers Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan starred with three wickets each, with Naveen’s crucial two wickets in consecutive deliveries being instrumental in bowling out Bangladesh. Naveen was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.
In the upcoming semifinals, Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan will face South Africa at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Wednesday, June 26 (local time). Meanwhile, India will square off against England in the second semifinal at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday, June 27.
