ICC World Cup: US embassy congratulates Afghans for win even before match is over

Kabul: The US embassy in Kabul seemed to get caught up in the excitement of Afghanistan's World Cup debut today, congratulating the side on victory just half-way through the Bangladesh innings. The Afghans made their World Cup bow in Canberra against the Test-status South Asians, completing another step in their fairytale rags-to-riches story.

The war-torn country has taken to cricket with a passion and millions are expected to follow the match via TV, radio and social media. With the match barely a quarter of the way through, the US embassy's official Twitter account posted a message hailing Afghanistan's "victory".

Afghanistan players celebrate taking the wicket of Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal during their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match in Canberra on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

"Congratulations to #Afghanistan for their win over #Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup #CWC15 #AFGvsBAN," the message said. The tweet triggered a flood of sarcastic retorts about Americans in Kabul prematurely declaring victory, as well as an apologetic response from the embassy.

"Premature posting but we are still cheering for team Afghanistan at the #CWC15! #AFGvsBAN," the embassy tweeted.