When Australia’s hopes of making it to the T20 World Cup semifinals were dashed by Afghanistan, Najibullah Zadran made fun of Pat Cummins.

Following this historic victory, Najibullah Zadran—a vital component of the Afghan team—took to his X handle to respond teasingly to Pat Cummins’ audacious pre-tournament comment.

Afghanistan’s remarkable progress in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has eliminated Australia’s aspirations by guaranteeing them a spot in the semi-finals. Afghanistan batsman Najibullah Zadran poked fun at Australian pacer Pat Cummins after their historic victory.

When questioned about his four semifinal picks for the 20-team competition, Cummins had assertively said, “Definitely Australia, other three you can choose,” in a previous interview with CNBC-TV18.

Najibullah Zadran posted, deftly flipping this statement: “Q: How are the top 4 semi-finalists doing? A: Australia is a great choice; pick the other three.

Q :How is the top 4 semi finalist?

A : definitely Australia other 3 you choose
✈️✈️✈️ 🤫🤐 @ACBofficials @patcummins30 @CricketAus

— Najib Zadran (@iamnajibzadran) June 25, 2024

Afghanistan makes history

Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss and starting the game. The opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43) and Ibrahim Zadran (18), gave a cautious but encouraging start, but the team found it difficult to gain momentum. Rashid Khan (19*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (10) both made significant contributions, but after 20 overs, Bangladesh’s bowlers, spearheaded by Rishad Hossain’s three-wicket haul, limited Afghanistan to a meagre 115/5.

Due to rain delays, Bangladesh’s original goal of 114 runs in 19 overs was changed. Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq (who both took four wickets), put on constant pressure, making the chase difficult. Bangladesh lost by 8 runs despite Litton Das’s undefeated 54-run innings, while Afghanistan’s historic semi-final participation was made possible by the DLS (Duckworth Lewis Stern) method.

Also Read: In the United States, cricket is receiving unprecedented attention due to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In their first Super Eights match, the Afghans had upset Australia by 21 runs, which made it less likely for them to advance further in the competition. Afghanistan, South Africa, India, and England are the other three semi-finalists. In the Semi-Final 1 on June 27 in Trinidad, they will play the Proteas.