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US embassy thinks it's all over by congratulating Afghanistan for cricket 'win' – which they lose

Bangladesh ended up winning the match

Lamiat Sabin
Wednesday 18 February 2015 16:35 GMT
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(Getty Images)

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The US embassy in Kabul prematurely congratulated Afghanistan for a “win” over Bangladesh during a cricket match after just 10 overs into the first innings.

The message was sent from the official Twitter account from the consulate based in the Afghan capital city – however the praise came too soon as the country suffered defeat in the hands of Bangladesh.

The embassy wrote: “Congratulations to #Afghanistan for their win over #Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup #CWC15 #AFGvsBAN”

The long-awaited match was watched by Afghans all around the world as it was the war-torn country’s first ever cricket World Cup tournament game.

Soon after realising the mistake, two additional posts were submitted saying that “we are still cheering for team Afghanistan” and “congrats to Bangladesh for a good game.”

However it is very likely that the tweet was down to over-zealousness and a bad case of timing.

Bangladesh won by 105 runs against the Afghan national team, which was only set up in 2001.

“For once, people are talking of Afghanistan as a nation,” Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil, captain of Afghanistan’s World Cup squad, had said.

Supporters of team Bangladesh cheering them on in Canberra
Supporters of team Bangladesh cheering them on in Canberra (AP)

“This isn’t just a game, this isn’t just about winning, it’s about bringing joy to a shattered nation, it’s about bringing the people together. We are carrying dreams on our shoulders.”

The game was held today in Canberra, Australia, in which Afghanistan is currently in last place in the 12-team tournament.

Bangladesh currently holds ninth place ahead of Zimbabwe and Ireland.

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