This video can not be played
Highlights Afghanistan stun Australia to keep T20 World Cup hopes alive
T20 World Cup, Super 8s, St Vincent
Afghanistan 148-6 (20 overs): Gurbaz 60 (49); Cummins 3-28
Australia 127 all out (19.2 overs): Maxwell 59 (41); Gulbadin 4-20
Afghanistan won by 21 runs
Scorecard. Tables
Afghanistan shocked Australia to keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive with a historic 21-run win in St Vincent.
Needing a victory to avoid elimination, Afghanistan posted 148-6 on a challenging surface on the back of a superb opening stand of 118 between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
They quickly reduced Australia to 32-3 in the chase before Glenn Maxwell’s 35-ball half-century recovered the situation for the 2021 champions.
But just when Australia seemed to have the advantage, Gulbadin Naib removed Marcus Stoinis and Tim David before taking the prize wicket of Maxwell.
From there, Australia collapsed from 106-6 to 113-9 and Afghanistan sealed the win – their first over Australia in any form of cricket – in the final over.
"We've been waiting for a long time, it's a great moment for me, my nation, my people," said player of the match Gulbadin.
Pat Cummins had earlier taken his second hat-trick in as many games – the first player to achieve the feat in T20 internationals – but despite Australia's fightback with the ball, Afghanistan's total proved to be beyond them.
Rashid Khan's side are now firmly back in contention to reach the semi-finals and face Bangladesh in their last Super 8s game (Tuesday, 01:30 BST).
"It's a massive win for us as a team and as a nation," added Rashid. "In a World Cup, to beat champions [Australia are 50-over world champions] is a great feeling and it is something we have missed.
“It's just the beginning for us and we have every chance of making the semis."
Meanwhile, Australia take on India in St Lucia (Monday, 15:30 BST) and will likely need to win to progress to the last four.
This video can not be played
Cummins takes hat-trick but drop denies him four in a row
'Cricket is the only source of happiness back home': Afghans celebrate big win
TMS World Cup podcast: Afghanistan shock Australia
Recap: Australia stunned by brilliant Afghanistan
Afghanistan's win is their first over Australia in any format of the game
A win for Australia would have taken them and India safely through to the semis with a game to spare.
Instead, the group has been brought to life thanks to a memorable Afghanistan win.
"It's so important for us and back home. People in Afghanistan are badly missing this win and I'm sure they are proud of us," said Rashid.
The first moment of intrigue came at the toss when Australia opted to bowl first at a ground where chasing has historically been difficult.
However, it quickly became apparent that batting was not going to be simple on a bouncy pitch offering movement for seamers and spinners alike.
"We were outplayed tonight," Marsh said. "I don't think it was won or lost at the toss, I was more than happy to bowl first."
Afghanistan’s openers battled through some tricky opening overs before accelerating towards the end of the powerplay.
Gurbaz and Zadran picked their moments to attack superbly as the innings progressed but, with boundaries not always easy to come by, it was their tireless running between the wickets that really kept the momentum going.
Afghanistan, who are coached by former England batter Jonathan Trott, faltered once the partnership was broken with Cummins nipping in to claim his own landmark late in the innings but the openers had done more than enough to give their side a chance.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer at the tournament with 238
They got the ideal start in the second innings, too, as Naveen-ul-Haq bowled Travis Head with a beauty third ball and then got rid of Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh with a slower ball.
When David Warner fell in the last over of the powerplay, Afghanistan were in control but they knew better than to think the job was done against Australia, especially with Maxwell at the crease.
The all-rounder produced one of the great innings to deny them at the 50-over World Cup in India last year and, for a time, he threatened to repeat the feat.
But this time Afghanistan would not be denied. Naib dragged them over the line almost single-handedly, taking four wickets – including the big one of Maxwell, caught at backward point – and then diving to take a stunning catch to get rid of Ashton Agar.
Adam Zampa was the last man to go, holing out off Azmatullah Omarzai with four balls left in the match as Afghanistan clinched a momentous triumph.
The joyous celebrations told the story with Australia defeated at last. And now Afghanistan have the chance to add further chapters before this World Cup is done.
“Our journey starts now," added Gulbadin. "We're very lucky to have a team like this.”
Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser
Euro 2024: Hungary score in 100th minute to knock out Scotland – report & reaction
Fullkrug scores late as Germany draw with Switzerland
England thrash USA to secure semi-final place
From photobombing presidents to fighting feline rivals
Here are Larry the Cat's most mischievous moments at Downing Street
Strange cases break out in a remote Welsh village
A dark thriller about the collision of medicine and something infinitely stranger
Twelve days that changed Wayne Rooney’s life forever
The star footballer reflects on the highs and lows of the career-defining 2004 Euro tournament
Drama, late goals and heartbreak at the Euros
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards pick the best matches ever played at the tournament
Norris 'happy with 99% of things' but needs extra 1% to beat Verstappen
Jordan takes hat-trick and four wickets in five balls. Video
'Best Brazilian since Neymar' – Chelsea's new signing
Highlights: Belgium beat Romania in absorbing game. Video
'A kick to the Turkey teeth!' – Akaydin scores incredible own goal. Video
Pitch invaders seeking selfies a 'concern' as Uefa steps up security
Are England 'too tired to press'? Six key charts
Where do England need to improve to beat All Blacks?
Deschamps 'unconcerned' as France struggle without Mbappe
Highlights: VAR controversy as Netherlands v France ends goalless Video
Joshua doesn't want son to take up boxing
'England are about to really feel the pressure'
'Baffling and concerning' – what is wrong with England?
Archibald out of Olympics after freak garden accident
The awkward questions behind Hungary's football revival
Burrow recorded family messages before he died
Fleeing Kabul, chasing gold – the story of a refugee Olympian
What impact has the T20 World Cup had on cricket in the USA?
Premier League fixtures – find out your club's schedule
'Something has got to radically change for McIlroy after US Open meltdown'
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
Launching all New Sports News Portal. Advert
