We had an off night, Afghanistan outplayed us: Mitchell Marsh

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh believes Afghanistan completely outplayed his side after going down by 21 runs in the T20 World Cup Super 8s game in St Vincent. Chasing 149, Australia were bundled out for just 127 to hand Afghanistan their first-ever victory over them in international cricket.

"They probably got 20 too many. Lot of teams have bowled first in this tournament. Don't think it was won or lost at the toss. We had an off night on the field. Wasn't the easiest of wickets but both teams played on it. As I said, we got outplayed today. We just need to win and there's no better team to do it against," Marsh said at the post-match presentation

His counterpart Rashid Khan believed his side were confident after they had put up 140 on the board. "140 was a good total on this wicket. We didn't finish as well as we should have. Opening partnership gave us the best start. On this wicket, anything 130-plus, we were capable of defending it as long as we kept calm and had the belief," Rashid said.

He was particularly pleased with the way Gulbadin Naib (4/20) and Mohammad Nabi (1/1) showed their experience in the game and picked up crucial wickets at vital junctures.

"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," he said.

Player of the Match Naib believes that their victory is the result of the hard work Afghanistan have put in over the last couple of months. "We were waiting for a long time. Great moment for me, my nation, my people. Big achievement for our cricket. Thanks to our fans for supporting our cricket journey. We worked hard for the last two months, and the result is in front of you," Naib said.

Afghanistan have already beaten New Zealand this World Cup and now have one over Australia as well, after getting so close to beating them in the ODI World Cup last year. 

"It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket, our history isn’t too much so this is a great achievement. We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year, we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now. We have great management and I’m very fortunate to have this team," he said.

Afghanistan will hope to carry this momentum into their crucial game against Bangladesh on June 24 (Monday) in St Vicent. Australia, on the other hand, will head to St Lucia, where they take on India on the same day.

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