AFG Vs BAN: Afghanistan Secure Maiden T20 World Cup Semifinal Entry With Thrilling Win, Throw Australia Out
New Delhi: Afghanistan created history on Tuesday as they defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling rain-marred Super 8 tie that was reduced to 19-overs at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown. Chasing 114 runs to win, Bangladesh were all out for 105 in the final over to help Afghanistan script a sensational win. With this victory, Afghanistan also knocked 2021 champions Australia out of the tournament. Th Rashid Khan-led side will meet South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27.
Batting first, Afghanistan rode on Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 43 to post 115/5 in 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh were never in the chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Although Litton Das held at one end with a fighting unbeaten half-century, but lacked support from his teammates. Earlier, Afghanistan had beaten New Zealand in the group stage and Australia in the Super 8s.
Both Rashid (4/23) and Naveen-up-Haq (26) grabbed four wickets each. “I want to thank mighty Allah for this achievement, we have worked hard for this since the last few years, we were dreaming about this day and it’s a surreal feeling,” Player of the Match Naveen said after the game.
– !!! #AfghanAtalan have successfully defended their total and have won the game by 8 runs (DLS) to make it to the Semi-Finals of the #T20WorldCup for the 1st time in their history. #AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/isn1j9zub9
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024
“We always knew that they would go hard in the powerplay to chase the total down in 12.1 overs, so we knew we were in the game, the plan was simple – to mix it up and we got crucial wickets in the powerplay. These are the games you never know what can happen, after a boundary, you feel the game is gone, but a wicket brings you back in the game, so the margin for error is very small,” he added.
“These kind of wickets are not high-scoring ones so you are always in the game. We have worked hard for this and we are in the semis, we are very happy.”