Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan, hailed his team’s 21-run triumph over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match as a “massive win for us as a team and as a nation.”
Afghanistan capitalized on a subpar fielding performance by Australia to post 148-6 in their innings before dismissing the 2021 champions for 127, a victory that keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the semi-finals.
“It’s a World Cup game, and definitely in a World Cup, you’re beating one of the best sides. It’s a great achievement,” Rashid said.
This historic win over Australia comes a year after Glenn Maxwell saved the eventual world champions in the ODI World Cup in India.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Rashid mentioned, “Beating teams like Australia… it gives the people back home so much hope. Cricket is the only source of happiness back home, and I feel like we are so lucky to be here giving this happiness to the people back home.”
Speaking about the political implications on their cricketing engagements with Australia, Rashid expressed concern about taking away the source of happiness from the people of Afghanistan.
– Australia ‘outplayed’ –
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that Afghanistan “outplayed” his team, particularly pointing out the five dropped catches.
Afghanistan and Australia currently have two points each in the Super Eights group stage, with India leading with four points.
Looking ahead, Marsh expressed confidence in his team’s abilities and emphasized the importance of their upcoming game against India to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
bsp/iwd
