The curtains on arguably the most exhilarating of all T20 World Cups were drawn with India’s magnificent triumph over South Africa in a pulsating final which aptly summed up the entire tournament that twisted this way and that till the very end. While India strengthened their position as one of the true behemoths of the modern game with their embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, and an unerring determination to win, the others too, with their extremely high standard of cricket, contributed handsomely in making it an unforgettable tournament.

Here are some significant moments from the past few weeks to reminisce about:

1) USA shock Pakistan

First-timers USA, co-hosting the showpiece with the West Indies, caused a flutter when they stunned former champions Pakistan in a Super Over in Dallas in the very first week of the tournament.

A boundary off the final ball of USA’s run-chase had sent the match to a Super Over, and it was the co-hosts of the tournament who came out on top at the Grand Prairie Stadium, pulling off one of the all-time great upsets.

2) India prevail over arch-rivals Pakistan on tricky pitch

On a tricky New York pitch that offered plenty of assistance to fast bowlers, India were asked to bat first by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and were bowled out for 119 in 19 overs after a collapse.

In reply, Pakistan were cruising at one stage but as they are wont to, Babar’s team pressed the panic button in the face of some incredible death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, losing the match by six runs to stand on the brink of a group-stage elimination following back-to-back reverses.

India captain Rohit Sharma deserves some credit for the win as he kept a couple of Bumrah overs for the back end, which proved to be decisive.

3) India-US group game

The tacky pitch at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium continued to be the subject of debate as India locked horns with USA, who were bowled out for 110 after Arshdeep Singh (4/9) registered his best bowling figures in T20I cricket.

In the chase, India wobbled a bit, losing big guns Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant with just 39 runs on the board.

But they overcame the anxious moments and completed the chase thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s calculated half-century.

4) Afghanistan enter semifinals for the first time

Afghanistan qualified for the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time by beating Bangladesh by eight runs in a tense low-scoring showdown in St Vincent. But the highlight of their inspiring campaign was the stunning win over heavyweights Australia in their penultimate Super Eights game.

If not for Rashid Khan’s, Australia could well have proved to be a thorn in the flesh for others.

5) Rohit goes ballistic against Australia

Leading from the front, India captain Rohit Sharma produced one of the most brutal assault on the Australian bowlers during a 41-ball 92, which left the rivals deflated as the Men in Blue stormed into the semifinals with a convincing victory.

That hammering left Mitchell Marsh’s men dependent on the result of the Afghanistan-Bangladesh match to progress, which did not go their way.

6) Afghanistan’s 56 all out against South Africa

Up against South Africa’s high-quality pace bowling in the semifinal, Afghanistan were skittled for 56 as the giant-slayers’ run in the tournament ended on a rather forgettable note.

7) Kuldeep-Axar duo bamboozle England

After Rohit Sharma once again led by example and Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s vital runs with the bat, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bamboozled the English batters with their extraordinary bowling, paving the way for India’s crushing win over the defending champions and their entry into the the third ICC tournament final in last 12 months.

7) Kohli finally among runs

Coming into the final after a poor run of scores and questions being asked about his place in the XI, Virat Kohli regained his touch when it mattered the most — the big final against a quality attack — and lifted his team from a precarious position, standing tall amid the rubble.

His 59-ball 76 laid the foundation for a total that proved to be just enough for the Indian bowlers to defend and snatch the trophy from within South Africa’s grasp at Kensington Oval.

8) Surya’s blinder of a catch

Kohli might have struck form in the big game but had it not been for Suryakumar’s catch for the ages, India wouldn’t have become champions of the world for the second time in the shortest format.

Needing 16 runs from the final over, the dangerous David Miller hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya but Suryakumar steadied himself on the ropes, caught the ball, released it just as he went over the boundary ropes and then came back in to complete an astonishing catch that will be talked about like Kapil Dev’s from the 1983 campaign or Jonty Rhodes’ blinder in 1996.

9) Kohli and Rohit’s T20I retirement

Barely an hour after the epic triumph, captain Rohit Sharma joined his longtime teammate Virat Kohli in announcing his retirement from international T20 matches, the most fitting end to two glorious careers that ran parallel to each other for the last 15 years.

It is not for nothing that reams of pages, waxing lyrical, were dedicated to the two all-time greats of the game amid the euphoria over India’s title triumph.

Afghanistan will look keep their heartbeats in check on Thursday as they take on South Africa in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The clash is being deemed as the battle of giant killers and perennial chokers since Afghanistan will be making their first semi-final appearance at a major ICC event after beating the likes of New Zealand and Australia. South Africa, on the other hand, are pretty familiar with such platforms, but often seem to crumble in games of this magnitude.

While fans eagerly wait for this clash, rain might have the final say. As per Accuweather, there is a possibility that rain might arrive at some point.

While the weather forecast suggests that the possibility of rain is around 1 per cent during the start of the match, there is high chance figure could rise up to 44 per cent. Even if there is rain on Thursday, ICC has alotted a reserve day for this match.

But, if no play is possible on both Thursday and Friday, Afghanistan will be knocked out. For the unversed, South Africa will be given a direct passage to the final due to their higher ranking during the Super 8 stage.

The Proteas had topped their groups in both the league stage, as well as the Super 8 stage. Afghanistan, on the other hand, finished second behind West Indies in the league phase, and India in Super 8s.

Afghanistan have been the revelation of this ICC showpiece. They found life and fighting spirit to rise above the ravages of war back in their country, best exemplified by an astounding win over 2021 winners Australia, whom they had never beaten before.

There were multiple heroes — skipper Rashid Khan has been immense throughout, pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have given early breakthroughs, Gulbadin Naib conjured a miraculous spell against the Aussies while Mohammad Nabi remained perseverant.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads the batting chart with 281 runs, while Farooqi is on top of the bowling list with 16 scalps.

It is a story in itself as how two Afghanistan players have raced past some marquee names to the top of the stats table.

(With PTI Inputs)

Australia Test stalwart Usman Khawaja expressed his sadness at Afghanistan not being able to play in Australia, as he congratulated Afghanistan’s historic 2024 T20 World Cup win over his own country. Earlier in the year, Cricket Australia had cancelled a bilateral series against Afghanistan over the country’s “marked deterioration” in the treatment of women and children, following the rise of the Taliban regime. While the Afghanistan cricketers remain puzzled over the decision, Khawaja stated that the Afghanistan side was an inspiration.

Replying to a tweet by Rashid Khan celebrating Afghanistan’s 21-run win over Australia, Khawaja said:

“Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can’t see you all play in Australia.”

In 2023 and 2024, Cricket Australia had cancelled a planned bilateral series against Afghanistan. The decisions came following restrictions imposed by the ruling Taliban, which did not allow women and girls to access higher education and public property like parks and gyms.

Needing a win to stay alive in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan posted a total of 148 in 20 overs. However, the Aussie opening pair of Travis Head and David Warner failed to fire.

It looked that much like the 2023 World Cup clash between the two nations, Glenn Maxwell would take the game away from Afghanistan. However, he was dismissed in the 15th over, with Australia lying at 106-6. 

Gulbadin Naib was the unlikely hero with the ball, picking up four wickets: Maxwell, the in-form Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Pat Cummins.

Afghanistan bundled out Australia for 127, registering their first win over the Aussies in T20 World Cup history.

If Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in their final Super 8 clash, and Australia lose to India, then Afghanistan will take a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup semis.

Packed streets of Afghanistan after T20 World Cup Super 8 win vs Australia.© X (Twitter)

Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: Australia take on Afghanistan in the Super 8, hoping to all but seal their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, after a crushing 47-run loss to India, Afghanistan cannot avoid another loss to keep their semi-final hopes intact. The Asian nation will need to provide Rahmanullah Gurbaz with more support in batting, which has been their big weakness. Australia are firing on all cylinders and will look to remain unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

When will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Sunday, June 23 (IST).

Where will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent.

What time will the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Afghanistan will take on Australia in the 48th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024. The Super 8 fixture is set to be played at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on 23rd June 2024 at 06:00 AM IST.

AFG vs AUS, Super Eight – Match 7 Preview

Australia comes into this match with momentum, having defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs in their previous outing. Pat Cummins was the standout performer for the Aussies, amassing 91 fantasy points.

On the other hand, Afghanistan faced a setback in their last game, losing to India by 47 runs. Rashid Khan was the top fantasy performer for Afghanistan, scoring 111 points.

AFG vs AUS, Head-to-Head

Historically, Australia has dominated Afghanistan in T20Is, winning the only match played between these two teams. The pattern suggests the Aussies will likely to continue their dominance. Australia’s batters have generally outperformed Afghanistan, while the Afghan bowlers have been their main contributors.

The last meeting between these teams was in Match 38 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2022, where Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan scored the highest fantasy points.

Key Players to Watch

Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, has been in stellar form, taking 15 wickets in his last five matches.

Marcus Stoinis (AUS)

Batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, known for his swashbuckling approach and right-arm medium-fast bowling, has scored 156 runs and has also taken seven wickets for Australia.

Rashid Khan (AFG)

Afghanistan skipper, Rashid Khan, who bowls right-arm leg-break has led his team’s bowling unit in the tournament and has also taken nine wickets in his last five matches.

Adam Zampa (AUS)

Adam Zampa, a star leg spinner from Australia, has been one of the highest wicket-takers in this tournament. Zampa’s slow leg-break bowling has yielded 11 wickets.

Travis Head (AUS)

Australia’s explosive top-order batter, Travis Head, has amassed 179 runs in the recent five matches at an average of 44.8.

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

Right-handed top-order batter, Ibrahim Zadran, smashed 160 runs in the recent five matches at an average of 32 for Afghanistan. Zadran’s form will be crucial for Afghanistan’s success in the Super 8 stage.

IND vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2024, LIVE Scorecard© AFP

Afghanistan will face India in the 43rd game of the T20 World Cup, 2024. This exciting match is scheduled for Thursday at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, and will begin at 08:00 PM IST. Afghanistan and India are set to clash in what promises to be a compelling contest. Afghanistan has played 4 matches in the tournament. With three wins and one loss, Afghanistan qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage after finishing second in the Group C standings with six points from four games.

On the other hand, India topped Group A standings to book their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage. India won three matches while the other game was abandoned.

The last encounter between these two teams was in the 3rd T20I of Afghanistan’s tour of India in 2024. In that match, Fareed Ahmad was the top fantasy performer for Afghanistan with 87 points, while Rohit Sharma led for India with an impressive 174 fantasy points.

Recent Performances:

Afghanistan: In their most recent match against the West Indies, Afghanistan was defeated by 104 runs. Gulbadin Naib was the standout fantasy player for Afghanistan, scoring 70 points.

India: India’s last match in this series saw them beat the USA by 7 wickets. Arshdeep Singh was the top fantasy player for India with 126 points.

Key Players to Watch:

Afghanistan:

Fazalhaq Farooqi

A left-arm fast-medium bowler who has taken 12 wickets in his last 5 matches, averaging 7.75. Despite a mixed record against India, his recent form makes him a key player for Afghanistan.

Ibrahim Zadran

A right-handed top-order batsman, Zadran has scored 161 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 32.2 per match.

Rashid Khan

A leg break googly bowler who has taken 4 wickets in his last 3 matches, averaging 21.8. His experience and skill will be crucial for Afghanistan.

India:

Virat Kohli

A right-handed top-order batsman, Kohli has scored 85 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 17 per match. Despite a dip in form, his potential to deliver in crucial matches makes him a key player for India.

Rohit Sharma

A right-handed top-order batsman who has scored 159 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 39.75 runs per match. His consistent performance and leadership are vital for India’s success.

Jasprit Bumrah

A right-arm fast bowler who has taken 6 wickets in his last 4 matches, averaging 9.5. Bumrah’s effectiveness against Afghanistan, having taken a wicket in their recent encounters, adds to India’s bowling strength.

Conclusion

This match is expected to be a riveting contest as both teams are highly motivated to secure a win and improve their standings in the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Fans can look forward to an intense battle with both sides showcasing their best talents.

Afghanistan will face India in the 43rd game of the T20 World Cup, 2024. This exciting match is scheduled for Thursday at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, and will begin at 08:00 PM IST. Afghanistan and India are set to clash in what promises to be a compelling contest. Afghanistan has played 4 matches in the tournament. With three wins and one loss, Afghanistan qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage after finishing second in the Group C standings with six points from four games.

On the other hand, India topped Group A standings to book their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage. India won three matches while the other game was abandoned.

The last encounter between these two teams was in the 3rd T20I of Afghanistan’s tour of India in 2024. In that match, Fareed Ahmad was the top fantasy performer for Afghanistan with 87 points, while Rohit Sharma led for India with an impressive 174 fantasy points.

Recent Performances:

Afghanistan: In their most recent match against the West Indies, Afghanistan was defeated by 104 runs. Gulbadin Naib was the standout fantasy player for Afghanistan, scoring 70 points.

India: India’s last match in this series saw them beat the USA by 7 wickets. Arshdeep Singh was the top fantasy player for India with 126 points.

Key Players to Watch:

Afghanistan:

Fazalhaq Farooqi

A left-arm fast-medium bowler who has taken 12 wickets in his last 5 matches, averaging 7.75. Despite a mixed record against India, his recent form makes him a key player for Afghanistan.

Ibrahim Zadran

A right-handed top-order batsman, Zadran has scored 161 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 32.2 per match.

Rashid Khan

A leg break googly bowler who has taken 4 wickets in his last 3 matches, averaging 21.8. His experience and skill will be crucial for Afghanistan.

India:

Virat Kohli

A right-handed top-order batsman, Kohli has scored 85 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 17 per match. Despite a dip in form, his potential to deliver in crucial matches makes him a key player for India.

Rohit Sharma

A right-handed top-order batsman who has scored 159 runs in his last 5 matches, averaging 39.75 runs per match. His consistent performance and leadership are vital for India’s success.

Jasprit Bumrah

A right-arm fast bowler who has taken 6 wickets in his last 4 matches, averaging 9.5. Bumrah’s effectiveness against Afghanistan, having taken a wicket in their recent encounters, adds to India’s bowling strength.

Conclusion

This match is expected to be a riveting contest as both teams are highly motivated to secure a win and improve their standings in the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Fans can look forward to an intense battle with both sides showcasing their best talents.

Jasprit Bumrah was the only Indian who made the cut in a 2024 T20 World Cup ‘Team of the Tournament’ made by England greats Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain. The team, which has been made on the premise of the group stage of the T20 World Cup, saw the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh be left out, despite stellar performances. The English duo – who are now reputed commentators – analysed and explained their choices on Sky Sports Cricket.

Virat Kohli – the all-time highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history – will be hoping to make the Team of the Tournament at a later stage, having scored just five runs so far.

“We had Bumrah, obviously. He had to be in,” quipped Nasser Hussain. Bumrah has picked up five wickets in India’s first three games, including two Player of the Match awards, against Ireland and arch-rivals Pakistan.

Atherton and Hussain showed a lot of love for some of the unsung heroes of the tournament. Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and USA’s Aaron Jones all made their XI.

After winning IPL 2024, Gurbaz has been exceptional, scoring 167 runs in four innings at a striker rate of more than 150. McMullen has scored at an even faster rate, boasting a strike rate of 170.

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis was the only all-rounder picked by Atherton and Hussain. Stoinis is the third top run-scorer of the 2024 T20 World Cup so far, at a phenomenal strike rate of 190. Incredibly, he has also picked six wickets in four games, with an economy of just 5.77.

The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup gets underway on Wednesday, June 19, as hosts USA face South Africa in Group II.

Atherton and Hussain’s ‘Team of the Tournament So Far’:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Travis Head, Brandon McMullen, Aaron Jones, Marcus Stoinis, David Miller, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Adam Zampa, Jasprit Bumrah, Fazalhaq Farooqi.