Try, try till you succeed. That was Afghanistan's motto throughout their ICC World T20 campaign, and success eventually graced them as the Blue Tigers ended their tournament by beating the T20 powerhouse West Indies by six runs in Nagpur.
It was the kind of fairy tale that the competition cried out for and more often than not it appeared that it would come from the passionate Afghans.
Having given England a scare, stretched South Africa and Sri Lanka to their limits, the Afghanistan's win over West Indies was more of a pleasant surprise than a shock.
Afghanistan's win was well-celebrated all across the globe, as praise poured in for the spirited campaigners from former cricketers, experts and most importantly their own sets of fans.
Fantastic.... Great for the game.... Well done @ACBofficials....Please @ICC try and change your mind.... #ICCWT20
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 27, 2016
What a win Afghanistan. Reputation enhanced on world stage. Well done!!#WIvsAFG #WT20 #AKLive
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 27, 2016
West Indies won't be happy with this loss. Afghanistan have been pushing towards a super 10 victory for 3 games. Well deserved @vcricketAF
— ian bishop (@irbishi) March 27, 2016
Well deserved AFG beating WI. Was impressed by Hassan and his pace. Unlucky to be called for 2nd no ball but enjoy your moment! 🏏
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) March 27, 2016
Yessssssssss Afghanistan !!! 🏼
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) March 27, 2016
#AFG deserved that! They've been great to watch this last couple of weeks. Now for the big one #AUS v #IND #WT20
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) March 27, 2016
After a series of near misses. the win over West Indies was particularly pleasing for the fans of Afghanistan
Its moments like these I so badly want to be in #Afghanistan, imagine greeting #BlueTigers at the gates. Proud to be #Afghan. #WIvsAFG
— Atta Nasib (@NasibAtta) March 27, 2016
Well, apart from their obvious verve, Afghanistan had this to give to the game.
Afghan Bum Blast during #WIvsAFG. pic.twitter.com/rhFkUY9XTJ
— Devan. (@Nautankibaba) March 27, 2016
However, if there are any gracious losers in sport, you won't look beyond the West Indies. In an act of supreme sportsmanship, Chris Gayle joined in the Afghanistan celebrations after the game and once again showed why the West Indies are one of the most loved cricket side around the world.
Brilliant of Chris Gayle to celebrate the win with the Afghanistan players #WT20 #AfgvWI pic.twitter.com/OlegdkmbiI
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 27, 2016
It's Takes A Lot To Celebrate Your Loss. Chris Gayle Won The Heart.#AFGvWI #WIvsAFG #WT20 #Shahzad pic.twitter.com/2T8r9go9Qh
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 27, 2016
Gayle winning the hearts off the field. What could be most beautiful sight than seeing him dance with AFG players. #Sportsmanspirit #AFGvWI
— Anupam Kher (@Apun_kher) March 27, 2016
As always Twitter had some to tickle your bones.
"First Of All, Thanks To Allah We Don't Have Shahid Afridi" - Asghar Stanikzai (#AFG Captain)#AFGvWI #WIvsAFG #WT20 #IndvsAus
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 27, 2016
I prayed for the win of the team in blue... I hope God hasn't misunderstood 😅 #WIvsAFG #IndvsAus #T20WC
— Sense of tumor (@dashhtweets) March 27, 2016
Thank god Chris Gayle is not an Indian, many would have said "Go to Afghanistan". pic.twitter.com/aQCkyPHi72
— Silly Point (@Sarcaism_) March 27, 2016
Now Inzi will have to speak in English 😏 #WIvsAFG #T20WC
— Sense of tumor (@dashhtweets) March 27, 2016
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Updated Date: Mar 27, 2016 21:00:51 IST
