Afghanistan pulled off an upset of epic proportions with a shock 21-run win over mighty Australia in the ongoing T20 World Cup here on Sunday (Indian time). Gulbadin Naib’s four-wicket haul upended Pat Cummins’ second consecutive hat-trick to produce what turned out to be one of the most memorable days for Afghan cricket.

Using the slower balls smartly on a slow wicket, Afghanistan defended their total of 148/6 for their first-ever win over Australia in international cricket.

Australia were shot out for 127 in 19.2 overs in this Super Eight contest. Australia now must win their clash against India on Monday in St Lucia and also hope that Afghanistan lose to Bangladesh in their next match on Tuesday (Indian time).

Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) forged a 118-run partnership, setting up base for a challenging total. But Cummins registered another hat-trick spread across two overs to restrict Afghanistan to a modest total.

Australia were reduced to 32/3 in the Powerplay before Glenn Maxwell slammed a 41-ball 59 to resurrect the chase. However, Naib’s timely strikes meant jubilation for the Afghans. “It’s a massive win for us as a team and nation. It’s something we missed in the last two years,” Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan said.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 148/6 in 20 ovs (R. Gurbaz 60, I. Zadran 51; P. Cummins 3/28). Australia 127 in 19.2 ovs (G. Maxwell 59; G. Naib 4/20). Afghanistan won by 21 runs.