The 2024 T20 World Cup continues to surprise fans. In a stunning turn of events, Australia, the 2021 champions, have been eliminated following Afghanistan’s historic win against Bangladesh in the final Super Eight fixture in Kingstown on Tuesday. Despite finishing their innings at 115/5, few expected Afghanistan to triumph. However, with spirited bowling, they pulled off an incredible eight-run DLS win, sending Australia packing.
Bangladesh’s wickets tumbled at regular intervals, yet Litton Das kept their hopes alive with a 41-ball fifty. Rain interrupted the match four times, eventually bringing the DLS method into play. Bangladesh needed 114 runs in 19 overs and seemed on track with Litton anchoring the chase.
Then came the moment every Afghanistan fan had been waiting for. With just nine runs needed off nine balls, Naveen-Ul-Haq delivered an unforgettable over. He had Taskin Ahmed play onto his stumps and then trapped Mustafizur Rahman LBW for a first-ball duck, securing Afghanistan’s first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal spot and knocking Australia out of the tournament.
Also Read: ‘Australia Crying’: Afghanistan’s Win Against Bangladesh Has Indians Celebrating With Memes
Indian cricket fans found themselves beaming with pride for the Afghan team, which has long struggled for global recognition. Memes and emotional messages poured in for Rashid Khan and his teammates as Indians celebrated their remarkable achievement.
Oohh what a win for Afghanistan!!! A much deserved win for a brilliant team and a beautiful country. Kabul celebrates today… So does the world. pic.twitter.com/n2Tr8GXAuw— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) June 25, 2024
So, so, so happy for Afghanistan! This is ICONIC in every way possible. They defeated New Zealand, they defeated Australia, and now they are in the semifinals ❤️pic.twitter.com/sUYUZ21kTa— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) June 25, 2024
This Afghanistan win feels so personal, the whole of India is proud and happy for AfghanistanCongratulations Australia for qualified for Sydney airport #AFGvsBAN | #AFGHAN pic.twitter.com/YPRoCFeGPA
— ℎ☆•° (@11eleven_4us) June 25, 2024
TAKE A BOW, AFGHANISTAN!!!YOU GUYS HAVE MADE IT TO THE SEMI FINAL, THE WORLD IS PROUD OF YOU. pic.twitter.com/eSMoPIbLWy
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan in semifinalsAustralia out of World CupIndian and Afghani fans: pic.twitter.com/ZPXZnJSqYn
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) June 25, 2024
Moreover, Afghanistan’s win allowed India to breathe a sigh of relief. Australia has often been a formidable obstacle for India in World Cup knockouts, from the 2003 ODI World Cup final to the 2023 World Cup final. Although India has triumphed over Australia in key matches, such as the 2007 T20 World Cup semifinals and the 2016 World T20 quarter-finals, the sting of the recent November 19 loss has lingered. Knowing Australia is no longer in the tournament brought some solace.
Also Read: ‘Captain’s Knock’: Memes Erupt After Rohit Sharma Shines With 92 off 41 in IND vs AUS
Australia’s troubles began with a shocking defeat to Afghanistan two days earlier and were compounded by a defeat to India. Led by Rohit Sharma’s explosive 92-run performance, India beat Australia by 24 runs, easing some of their past pain. Travis Head, a thorn in India’s side in recent ICC finals, looked dangerous with 76 off 43 balls. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s magic saw him take the crucial wicket, ensuring India’s victory and advancing their World Cup hopes.
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