Exclusive: Tim Paine opens up on Australia's shocking loss against Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2024

In the Super Eights, Group One match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable 21-run victory over cricket powerhouse Australia at Kingstown, St Vincent. This upset prompted discussions about the evolving nature of international cricket and Australia's dull show against Afghanistan.

Former Australian skipper Tim Paine offered his perspective on the match and the broader explanation on Australia's engagement with Afghanistan cricket.

"I don't look at it that way. I don't agree that we don't play them in bilateral. I think Afghanistan just played really well in the T20 World Cup in conditions that suited them and they're getting better and better. There's no doubt about that. They're building depth," Paine told Crictracker.

The 39-year-old believes that the Afghanistan side has a strong hold on T20 cricket and with star players like Rashid Khan, the team has more chances of winning the game. 

"They've got some players now that can take a game away from you with the bat and they've obviously always had Rashid Khan who can win you a game easily. at any stage with the ball. So I think T20 cricket is their strong suit," Paine added.

The debate stems from Cricket Australia's (CA) action in Afghanistan. CA repeatedly condemned the Taliban's restrictions on female participation in sports, leading to the postponement of the bilateral series with Afghanistan.

Most recently, a three-match T20I series scheduled for August was indefinitely delayed, marking the third such instance. Paine, however, sees the situation differently. 

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I think it's important that we try and grow the game: Tim Paine

"But yeah, I don't think Australia should be picking and choosing when we play against them and play against them in a World Cup, but then not play against them in a bilateral series," he added.

Addressing the sensitive issue of bilateral series, the former cricketer emphasized the importance of cricket diplomacy.

"I think it's important that we try and grow the game and try and shine a light on what's happening to the females in Afghanistan. And I'm not sure by not playing them in bilateral series how that helps anyone," he concluded.

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In the T20 WC match, the Afghan side batted first, and posted a competitive 148/6, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran leading the charge. Australia's chase faltered early, and despite Glenn Maxwell's valiant 59, they fell short by 21 runs. Gulbadin Naib's spectacular 4/20 was the standout bowling performance.