Thanks to an amazing bowling effort by the bowlers, the Afghanistan team managed to successfully defend 115 runs in a crunch T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s match against Bangladesh. This enabled Afghanistan to create history as they qualified for the semi-final of the tournament.
With this win, not only did Afghanistan qualify for the semi-finals but knocked Australia out of the tournament as well. Mitchell Marsh-led side’s fate was in Bangladesh’s hands if Bangladesh would’ve won, Australia would’ve been in the semis.
Bangladesh bowlers managed to keep Afghanistan to just 115/5 in 20 overs after being asked to bowl first. However, Afghanistan bowlers, especially Rashid Khan and Naveen Ul Haq, who picked four wickets each, did extremely well and defended the revised target of 114 runs in 19 overs.
Bangladesh was bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs, with only Litton Das with 54* managing to counter the Afghan bowling.
The Afghanistan cricket squad, which has experienced various trials and sufferings over the years, has now made a significant breakthrough in world cricket. Their performance in this tournament has been nothing short of spectacular, with victory over New Zealand in their first game and a formidable Australia in the Super 8 round.
They will now play South Africa in the first semi-final in Trinidad on June 26.
As soon as Afghanistan won the match, tears welled up in the eyes of players, support staff, and fans alike. The Afghanistan team took a lap of honor on the ground to thank the fans with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib amongst others visibly emotional and tearful.
Not only this but Rahmanullah Gurbaz was seen crying in the dressing room, failing to stop his emotions after Afghanistan’s win.
Here are the videos of Afghanistan’s celebrations:
