(AP Photo)

Mitchell Marsh attributed Australia’s 21-run loss to Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match to a mere off day. He defended his choice to bowl first, emphasizing that the outcome was not solely determined by that decision. Looking ahead, Marsh highlighted the importance of defeating India in their upcoming Super Eight fixture as a motivating factor for the team.

“They probably got 20 too many. Lot of teams have bowled first in this tournament. Don’t think it was won or lost at the toss. We had an off night on the field.

“Wasn’t the easiest of wickets but both teams played on it. As I said, we got outplayed today. We just need to win and there’s no better team to do it against.”

In order to secure a spot in the semi-finals, Australia must defeat the undefeated leaders India in their upcoming match in St Lucia on Monday. Both Australia and Afghanistan, who also have two points, will closely watch Afghanistan’s match against Bangladesh later on Monday to determine their chances of advancing to the semi-finals for the first time.

Led by Gulbadin Naib’s impressive four-wicket haul, Afghanistan clinched their historic first victory over Australia. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s opening partnership of 118 set the stage, with Gulbadin’s medium-pace brilliance sealing Australia’s dismissal for 127, marking a significant milestone in Afghan cricket history.

“It is a great moment for me, my nation, my people,” said an exultant Gulbadin on receiving the Man of the Match award. “I learned a lot about the pitch from when we batted and I am glad that (captain) Rashid (Khan) had faith in me.”

Pat Cummins continued his remarkable form with his second consecutive hat-trick, disrupting Afghanistan’s momentum despite a strong start by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who laid the foundation with a century opening partnership. Afghanistan ultimately posted 148 for six after being put in to bat.