Afghanistan stormed into the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 after beating Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS) in a dramatic rain-affected Super 8 clash on Tuesday (June 25) at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.
After opting to bat first, Afghanistan hardly got off the blocks as they were restricted to 115/5 in 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer with 43 off 55 balls while skipper Rashid Khan played a vital cameo of 10-ball 19*.
Rishad was the stand-out bowler for Bangladesh as he returned with the figures of 4-0-26-3. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman accounted for one scalp each.
Just before the start of Bangladesh's run-chase, rain halted proceedings. Once the play resumed, the Tigers showed intent, although they lost the early wickets of Tanzid Hasan (0), Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) and Shakib Al Hasan (0). With their score at 31 for 3 in 3.3 overs, rain interrupted play again, but no overs were lost.
Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy played their shots and scored 10 and 14 runs respectively, before Rashid dismissed the duo. While Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals, Litton Das held the one firmly.
In fact, Litton fought valiantly to stay not out on 54 runs off 49 balls. However, his knock went in vain as Bangladesh were bundled out for 105 in 17.5 overs while chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs.
Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq starred with the ball for Afghanistan, claiming four wickets each. Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi shared the remaining two wickets between them.
Afghanistan’s victory meant that Australia failed to go through to the next round while Bangladesh were knocked out of the tournament once they couldn’t chase down the target in 12.1 overs.
Cricket fraternity lauded the Afghanistan bowlers for holding their nerves in a low-scoring affair and congratulated the team for their maiden semi-final appearance.
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