Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Afghanistan needed a victory to avoid elimination and opened proceedings with a third century stand for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in this tournament. They also became the first pair to do so in any T20 international series.  Both openers made half-centuries with the breakthrough for Australia only coming in the 16th over. 

Afghanistan ultimately posted 148/6 on a challenging surface with Pat Cummins claiming his second hat-trick in three days.  He dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib across the 18th and 20th overs.

Australia’s top order crumbled under an inspiring attack by Naveen Murid and Mohammed Nabi. They were in serious trouble at 32/3, but a disciplined 59 off 41 balls by Glen Maxwell put them somewhat back on track.  But brilliant bowling by Player of the Match Naib, taking the wickets of Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Maxwell, was too much for Australia to cope with.  They were all out for 127 in the final over.

Australia will next face India on Monday in St Lucia, with Afghanistan taking on Bangladesh in the final Super Eight match on Tuesday in St Vincent.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger