"The took the Elephant as their lunch, they ate them"- Australia's loss to Afghanistan as summed up by Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar has shared his thoughts on Afghanistan's momentous victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024. Afghanistan beat the Aussies by 21 runs as they successfully defended 148. 

Australia in response were bowled out for 127 as Afghanistan registered their first victory over Australia in any format of the game. The match was played at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent where they will be playing their last game as well against Bangladesh. 

Afghanistan posted 148/6 after being asked to bat first by Australia. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) added their third-century stand of the tournament to give them a good start. With the ball, it was Gulbadin Naib, who turned the match in Afghanistan's favour with four big scalps. He took the wickets of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Pat Cummins. 

Also Read: Watch: Epic fight erupts between Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Marcus Stoinis; Afghan star responds to all-rounder's send-off in style

The win for Afghanistan has opened up possibilities of them reaching the semi-finals alongside India and Australia. There are a few more permutations and combinations that have come alive as well. 

Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar on his Official handle of X (formerly Twitter) spoke about Afghanistan's mammoth win over the Aussies.

Shoaib Akhtar Analyses Afghanistan's Win Over Australia

Afghan lions take revenge from kangaroos pic.twitter.com/37SnDc1hO8

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 23, 2024

"Woh kehete hain na hathi sher se 100x badha hota hain aur 80x samajhadaar hota hain (They say an elephant is 100 times bigger than a lion and 80 times smarter, but when it comes to Afghan lions), they took the elephant as their lunch. They ate them. So, attitude matters a lot. Today, Afghanistan not only got their revenge but also showed great intent. And what excellent leadership was displayed by Rashid Khan. They say leadership is 80 percent mentality, 20 percent skill. That’s the reason they were able to take down such a big elephant for lunch."

"And as for the mighty Australia, whom no one can defeat, who plays the best World Cup cricket - agreed, no one can play the World Cup better than you, but you were up against one of the toughest opponents whose attitude was like lions," the former pacer added.

Australia lost wickets at regular intervals in the chae getting no momentum into their innings. The openers Travis Head (0) and David Warner (3) were dismissed cheaply. Glenn Maxwell scored 59 off 41 balls hitting six fours and three sixes. Till he was at the crease Australia had hopes. Once he was dismissed Australia's hopes were gone as well. The dismissal of Pat Cummins in the 17th over was the final nail in the coffin for Australia. 

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan also spoke after the match saying that this was a "massive" win for his side. The win throws them right back into the contest in the race to the semi-final.

"Massive win for us as a team and as a nation. Great feeling. It's something we missed in last two years. Really happy with the win and super proud of the guys. Quite important for us that we went back with the same playing XI.  That's the beauty of this team, having all-rounders and having options. The way Gulbadin bowled today - the experience he has, it came good today. The way Nabi started - the wicket of Warner - was also pleasing to see. It's so important for us back home and around the world. I'm sure they're proud and would've enjoyed the game" said Rashid after the game.

Australia now play their last Super 8 match against India on Monday. A loss could potentially throw them out of the tournament.

Also Read: Australia Playing 11 vs India- ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Match 51, Super 8