* Aussie Pat Cummins records amazing feat – back to back hat tricks – Super 8 (Match 48)
By Dwayne Ferreira
In a stunning display, Gulbadin Naib led Afghanistan to their first-ever victory over Australia across all formats, overshadowing Pat Cummins’ remarkable hat-trick with his own brilliant performance.
With a semi-final spot on the line, Afghanistan’s seamers dismantled Australia’s top order, setting the stage for a dramatic match.
Glenn Maxwell, in his typical flashy style, tried to save the day for Australia with a series of impressive shots, grinning widely as he brought up his half-century in just 35 balls. Just as he seemed set to secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals, Naib combined with Noor Ahmad to dismiss Maxwell for 59. Noor’s spectacular low catch at backward point turned the game, leaving Australia at 106 for 6, still needing 43 runs off 32 balls on a tricky St Vincent pitch.
Naib capitalized on the conditions, achieving career-best T20I figures of 4 for 20. As Afghanistan’s eighth bowler, he took out Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Pat Cummins, steering his team to a famous 21-run victory.
Earlier, Cummins bagged his second consecutive hat-trick, but even that feat couldn’t eclipse Afghanistan’s big day.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan a solid start with their third century stand of the tournament, becoming the first pair to do so in any T20I series. Their half-centuries frustrated Australia, who had to wait until the 16th over for a breakthrough. Gurbaz and Ibrahim made strategic shots to counter the conditions and Australia’s attack, ending the powerplay on 40 for 0 despite a slow start. Australia’s fielding woes, including missed chances and dropped catches, only added to their troubles.
Cummins led a late comeback for Australia, claiming his second hat-trick in three days. On Saturday, he dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, and Naib across the 18th and 20th overs. Despite a potential fourth consecutive wicket dropped by David Warner, Cummins’ efforts kept the game wide open at the halfway mark.
Naveen-ul-Haq stepped up in the powerplay, taking out Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, and reducing Australia to 16 for 2. Maxwell then entered the scene, hitting a series of boundaries and keeping Australia in the game. His half-century seemed to revive Australia’s chances until Naib’s intervention.
With Australia at 94 for 5 and Maxwell and Matthew Wade at the crease, Naib removed Stoinis and David in his first two overs. He wasn’t initially part of Afghanistan’s main plan, but his impact was immediate. Naib’s slower cutters and clever use of the pitch saw Maxwell’s exit, prompting a roar from Naib that echoed to Kabul. Afghanistan fans in St Vincent celebrated wildly, sensing a historic win.
In his final over, Naib dismissed Cummins before Naveen and Omarzai finished the job, securing Afghanistan’s historic victory.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Olympics approach, the big question remains: will there finally be accountability, or will the International Olympic Committee start cracking the whip due to the shame and the undignified manner in which officials have been conducting the day-to-day affairs of the NOCSL, tarnishing the esteemed reputation of the sports body that reigns supreme among all sports? Will this victory inspire a much-needed change, or will it be overshadowed by continued mismanagement and scandal?
Chief Scores
Afghanistan 148 for 6 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 60, Ibrahim Zadran 51, Pat Cummins 3-28, Adam Zampa 2-28)
Australia 127 all out in 19.2 overs (Glen Maxwell 59, Gulbadin Naib 4-20, Naveen Ul- Haq 3-20)
Player of the Match – Gulbadin Naib
