Australia has been eliminated from the T20 World Cup after Afghanistan secured a historic eight-run victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected match in St Vincent, resulting in the 2021 champions' unexpected exit from the tournament.
The significant damage inflicted by a 24-run loss to India earlier in the day proved too much to overcome, despite several scenarios that could have allowed Mitch Marsh’s team to progress to the semi-finals, with their fate no longer in their own control.
Afghanistan's modest total of 115-5 turned out to be sufficient as Bangladesh were dismissed for 105 in 17.5 overs, needing just nine runs (under the DLS method) from the remaining seven balls, in a thrilling conclusion to the Super Eight stage. Australia's hopes rested on Bangladesh, previously winless in the Super Eights, to upset Afghanistan but in no more than 12.1 overs to avoid surpassing both teams on net run rate. Captain Marsh had optimistically remarked, "C’mon Bangladesh," after Australia’s earlier defeat.
Despite the unlikelihood of achieving the target swiftly, the Tigers seemed poised to spoil Afghanistan's chances as opener Litton Das (54 not out) led them close to victory, chasing a revised target of 114 that would have seen Australia advance instead of Afghanistan.
However, Naveen-ul-Haq's two crucial wickets in the 17th over sealed the contest, ending Australia’s aspirations for a second world T20 title.
The closing overs were filled with intense drama, with DLS calculations fluctuating with every run and wicket, in anticipation of more rain.
Naveen-ul-Haq (4-26), who was named player of the match, along with spinner Rashid Khan (4-23), were standout performers for Afghanistan, following Rahmanullah Gurbaz's top score of 43 with the bat. Rashid expressed his elation, stating, “It’s something of a dream for us as a team. The belief came when we beat New Zealand. It’s unbelievable, I don’t have the words to describe my feelings.”
This victory propels Afghanistan, who had previously defeated Australia with a spirited performance, into the semi-finals for the first time in their brief Twenty20 internationals history.
Afghanistan will face South Africa for a spot in the final, while England and India will compete in the other semi-final.
Rashid anticipated significant celebrations back home, saying, "It’s a massive achievement for us. The country will be very proud [of us]. Being in the semi is big for us, but now we have to go in with a very clear mind.”