In a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan pulled off a stunning upset against cricket powerhouse Australia, securing their first-ever victory over the Aussies in international cricket. The 21-run win in the Super 8 match on Sunday (IST) marks a significant milestone for the Afghan cricket team and sends shockwaves through the tournament.

Afghanistan's bowlers, led by the impressive Gulbadin Naib, were the architects of this historic triumph. Naib's deadly spell, which yielded four crucial wickets, proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested match.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 148/6 in their allotted 20 overs. While the target seemed achievable for the star-studded Australian lineup, the Afghan bowlers had other plans.

Australia's chase got off to a rocky start with early wickets falling, putting them on the back foot. However, Glenn Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, threatened to snatch the game away from Afghanistan. Maxwell's brilliant knock of 59 off 41 balls kept Australian hopes alive and momentarily shifted the momentum.

Just when it seemed Australia might cruise to victory, the Afghan bowlers staged a remarkable comeback. Naveen-ul-Haq complemented Naib's efforts with three wickets of his own, while Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and the ever-reliable Rashid Khan chipped in with a wicket each.

The Australian innings eventually crumbled under the relentless pressure, with the team bundled out for 127 in 19.2 overs, falling 21 runs short of the target.

This victory is not just a win for Afghanistan but a testament to their rapid rise in international cricket. It showcases their ability to compete and triumph against top-tier teams on the world stage.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses, this result will undoubtedly boost Afghanistan's confidence while serving as a wake-up call for Australia. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if Afghanistan can build on this monumental victory and make further inroads in the tournament.