T20 World Cup: Australia’s title hopes take major blow in historic shock defeat to Afghanistan

Australia have suffered a shock 21-run loss to Afghanistan that throws their semi-final hopes into jeopardy at the Twenty20 World Cup.

Australia’s first-ever loss to Afghanistan came after openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) defied a fiendish St Vincent wicket to make a 118-run stand.

With his second hat-trick in as many games, Pat Cummins (3-28) helped Australia claw back following some poor fielding and restrict Afghanistan to 6-148 across their 20 overs.

But Australia fell to 3-32 in the powerplay amid the tough conditions, with Glenn Maxwell (59 off 41 balls) left to pick up the pieces.

When he was taken at backward point in the 15th over, Afghanistan could smell victory and skittled their highly fancied foes for 127 in the final over.

The loss means Australia may need to rely on net run-rate to make the final four even if they are able to beat India in their last Super Eight game on Tuesday (AEST).