Following Afghanistan’s monumental 21-run triumph over Australia in a critical T20 World Cup Super 8 match at Kingstown, a poignant moment unfolded as the team’s social media captured the essence of their victory. Captain Rashid Khan, 25, and Man of the Match Gulbadin Naib, 33, were seen passionately singing a verse in Pashto, resonating deeply with their fans across the nation.
The video, devoid of subtitles but rich in emotion, featured Khan and Naib directly addressing their compatriots back home. For Nazamudin Asar, a cricket enthusiast and PhD student from Delhi University originally from Kandahar, the significance of the moment was profound. He translated the verse shared by the players: “‘Roll up your sleeves, come celebrate and dance. Poor people like us rarely get the chance to enjoy as happiness belongs to those who are strong and rich…’”
Reflecting on Afghanistan’s joyous reaction to the victory, Asar added a touch of Afghan humor, noting the rarity of such jubilation since the aftermath of an earthquake. The win holds particular significance given the backdrop of strained relations between Afghanistan and Australia, stemming from political stances on women’s sports participation following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan’s unexpected success in the tournament, amidst formidable opponents like India and Australia, positions them optimistically for a shot at the semifinals. The team’s triumph serves as a rallying cry for national pride and resilience, echoing far beyond the cricket pitch.
