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| Afghanistan make it to the Semi-Finals of the T20WorldCup for the 1st time in their history. // IMAGE - ACB |
Afghanistan made history by securing their first-ever semifinal berth in an ICC event after defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected, low-scoring thriller at Kingstown. Rashid Khan's side defended a modest total of 115/5, with stellar bowling performances from Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq sealing the victory.
Winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat on a sluggish pitch. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 43 off 55 balls, while Rashid Khan added a vital 19 off 10 balls in the death overs.
Bangladesh, needing to chase the target in 12.1 overs to advance, struggled against Afghanistan's disciplined bowling. Tanzid Hasan fell early to Fazalhaq Farooqi, followed by Naveen-ul-Haq removing Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan in consecutive deliveries. Despite Litton Das's unbeaten 54 off 49 balls, Bangladesh lost wickets regularly, with only Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy reaching double figures.
Rain reduced Bangladesh's target to 114 in 19 overs, but Afghanistan's bowlers held firm. Rashid (4/23) and Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26) dismantled the batting lineup, with key contributions from Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmad.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 - 𝐀𝐅𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐒!!! 🙌#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
Afghanistan joins India, South Africa, and England in the semifinals, setting up a clash with South Africa. Captain Rashid Khan expressed immense pride in the team's achievement, dedicating the win to the nation and legendary cricketer Brian Lara, who inspired them with words of encouragement.
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