ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
In a scene that perfectly captured the highs and lows of international cricket, the air outside the Australian team’s hotel was filled with the bittersweet sound of a hundred beer cans cracking open as Afghanistan pulled off a stunning victory over Bangladesh.
In a match riddled with rain interruptions, Afghanistan, led by four-fors from Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan, edged out Bangladesh by eight runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. This nail-biting win not only secured Afghanistan’s spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals but also extinguished Australia’s faint hopes.
“Aside from winning the tournament, this is the next best thing. It’s beer time,” a source close to the team explained.
“When you’re knocked out like that, there’s nothing to do but crack open a can and reflect. It’s almost therapeutic. Some of the boys with families are going home. We’re going to put on some Lifehouse and start scream singing. Then we will out on the town. Zamps has already had four cans.”
Three teams were vying for one semi-final spot from Group 1 of the Super Eight, and the rain added to the drama. A cat-and-mouse game ensued, with Bangladesh initially edging out Afghanistan on DLS par scores, only for Afghanistan to snatch back the advantage.
As Afghanistan secured their victory, a collective sigh was heard from the Australian camp, quickly followed by the synchronised sound of beer cans opening. David Warner, who retired from international cricket following Australia’s 24-run loss to India, shared quiet moments with his teammates.
“It’s the end of an era,” Warner remarked.
“But tonight, we toast to what was and what could have been. Personally, I’m going to have some ice cold cans. No dinner. Some American cigarettes. Some more cans. A boogie. More cans. Sleep fully-clothed with my shoes on in bed tomorrow morning.”
Josh Hazlewood acknowledged the need for change but emphasised it wouldn’t be drastic.
“We’ve got some rebuilding to do, but for now, it’s about supporting each other. In saying that, it’s can time.”
More to come.
