Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in a rain-interrupted thriller to seal the fourth spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final. With Afghanistan’s victory, Australia was knocked out of the tournament, and the Afghani fans were seen celebrating in the streets of their country. The jubilated moment captured the hearts of cricket fans all around the globe. Finally, a new power in cricket is starting to shake, and ICC has succeeded in developing at least one stronger competitor in the cricketing world. After Afghanistan’s win, David Warner announced his retirement from international cricket. He had already confirmed that this would be his last tournament for the Kangaroos.
Afghanistan’s Epic Win Over Bangladesh to Seal the Last Semi-Final Spot of T20 World Cup 2024
In a thrilling match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Afghanistan secured victory by 8 runs. The game, held in the Super 8 Group 1 stage, was reduced to 19 overs per side due to rain, and Bangladesh’s target was set to 114 runs according to the DLS method.
Afghanistan batted first and scored 115 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer with 43 runs from 55 balls, hitting 3 fours and 1 six. Ibrahim Zadran added 18 runs, while Rashid Khan contributed a quick 19 not out from just 10 balls, including 3 sixes. Rishad Hossain was the best bowler for Bangladesh, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in his 4 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman also picked up a wicket each.
Chasing a target of 114, Bangladesh struggled from the start. Tanzid Hasan was out for a duck in the first over, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto followed soon after, scoring only 5 runs. The experienced Shakib Al Hasan was dismissed for 0, leaving Bangladesh in trouble at 23-3. Litton Das was the lone fighter for Bangladesh, scoring an unbeaten 54 runs off 49 balls, including 5 fours and a six.
Afghanistan’s bowlers put up a strong performance, with Rashid Khan leading the way by taking 4 wickets for 23 runs in his 4 overs. Naveen-ul-Haq was equally impressive, claiming 4 wickets for 26 runs in 3.5 overs. Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi also chipped in with a wicket each. Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and despite Litton Das’s effort, they were bowled out for 105 runs in 17.5 overs.
Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding ensured they defended their modest total successfully. The win highlighted their resilience and teamwork, giving them crucial points in the Super 8 stage. This victory was particularly notable despite the game being shortened by rain, adding to the challenge.
In summary, Afghanistan won by 8 runs, with key performances from Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq, while Litton Das’s valiant effort went in vain.
Rashid Khan Creates New Record in T20Is
Rashid Khan went past the record of Shakib Al Hasan to become the bowler with the most 4 wicket hauls in T20Is. He has achieved the feat on 9 different occasions.
| Rank | Player | Country | 4-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashid Khan | AFG | 9 |
| 2 | Shakib Al Hasan | BAN | 8 |
| 3 | Henry Ssenyondo | UGA | 7 |
Afghanistan to Face South Africa in the Semi-Final 1 of T20 World Cup 2024
Afghanistan will face the South African Cricket Team in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on 27th June 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Trinidad. The match is going to be quite interesting as Afghanistan is on the rise, while South Africa is yet to lose a game in this edition of the tournament. Can the Afghani spinners put a stop to the Proteas onslaught? All will be revealed on 27th June.
