Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was full of excitement after beating Australia in Super 8 stage match of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 22). The win opened up Group 1 which has India and Bangladesh as other two teams.

The win means there are multiple scenarios for all three teams to qualify for the semis apart from India which are all but sure to enter last four after two back-to-back wins in the knockout stage.

“Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It’s something we missed in last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys,” said Rashid at the post-match presentation.

Talking about the game, Afghanistan batted first and scored 148 in 20 overs which skipper Rashid believed was a good total.

“140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn’t finish as well as we should have.”

“Opening partnership gave us best start. On this wicket, anything 130-plus, we were capable of defending it as long as we kept calm and had the belief. That’s the beauty of this team, having all-rounders and having options,” he said. 

Australia eventually fell short by 21 runs, thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s career-best 4/20, as Afghans bowled the mighty Aussies out for 127 in 19.2 overs.

Rashid heaped big praise on Naib and said: “The way Gulbadin bowled today – the experience he has, it came good today. The way Nabi started – the wicket of Warner – was also pleasing to see.”

The skipper said the win was important for the country marred by years of war and exit of the US in the recent times which left them in hands of Taliban.

“It’s so important for us back home and around the world. I’m sure they’re proud and would’ve enjoyed the game,” Rashid noted.

Afghanistan next play against Bangladesh on June 25 in their last Super 8 match.