Watch: Marcus Stoinis Pull Out Unique Celebration After Dismissing Afghan Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz in T20 World Cup Super 8 Game

AayushPathak

 By Aayush Pathak June 23, 2024

In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Group 1 match, Afghanistan overcame Australia by 21 runs at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent’s Kingstown. A standout moment came when Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis celebrated uniquely after breaking a crucial partnership by dismissing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Australia Struggles as Afghanistan Openers Dominate

Opting to bowl first under the leadership of Mitchell Marsh, Australia found themselves struggling as Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, came out with an aggressive approach. 

The duo rapidly advanced Afghanistan’s score past the 100-run mark without losing a wicket, reaching 118 in just 14 overs. Australia’s bowlers were left searching for a breakthrough until Marcus Stoinis was introduced into the attack.

Stoinis Breaks the Partnership

In the 16th over, Stoinis finally gave Australia a much-needed wicket, dismissing Gurbaz for 60. The Afghan opener, looking to continue the aggressive momentum, danced down the track and attempted to hit Stoinis’s length delivery towards deep square leg. However, his shot found David Warner, who made no mistake in securing the catch. Stoinis celebrated this crucial wicket by flapping his hands, seemingly gesturing for Gurbaz to head towards the dressing room, marking a unique and memorable celebration.

Watch the celebration here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8imVL4SbwR/?igsh=bmwwanRneW9sbHQy

Gurbaz’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse in Afghanistan’s batting order. Following his departure, Afghanistan lost Azmatullah Omarzai (2), Ibrahim Zadran (51), and Rashid Khan (2) in quick succession, with the score slumping from 118/0 to 126/4 by the 17th over. Despite the middle-order wobble, Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, aiming to push the total beyond 150.

Afghanistan Sets a Competitive Total

Eventually, Afghanistan posted a total of 148/6 after the dismissal of Gulbadin Naib. Although the total seemed modest, the Afghan bowlers rose to the occasion. Their disciplined bowling attack managed to bowl Australia out for just 127, securing a 21-run victory in a crucial Super 8 clash.

Australia’s chase never gained momentum as Afghanistan’s bowlers consistently took wickets. None of the Australian batters managed to anchor the innings, resulting in a series of quick dismissals. The Afghan bowlers capitalized on the pressure, and despite Stoinis’ breakthrough moment, it wasn’t enough to steer Australia to victory.

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