Afghanistan secured a berth in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS) in a dramatic Super 8 match on Tuesday (June 25) at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.
Following the win, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan said the conviction that they could progress to the semis was ignited by their triumph over heavyweights New Zealand in the group stage.
"It's a dream for us to be in the semifinals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable," Rashid said at the post-match presentation.
Before beating Bangladesh, Afghanistan also registered a historic victory over 2021 champions Australia in the Super 8 round. As a result, they have set up a semi-final date with South Africa on June 26 in Trinidad.
Afghanistan managed to post a paltry 115/5 on the board against Bangladesh but the bowling attack, led by Naveen Ul Haq (4-26) and Rashid Khan (4-23), propelled them to a thrilling win in a rain-affected fixture.
"We thought 130-135 was a good score but we fell 15 runs short. We knew they would come hard at us and we knew that is what we could take advantage of. We didn't need to do anything extra, just be clear in our plans,” the captain stated.
The pace duo of Naveen and Fazalhaq Farooqi have troubled batters with the new ball throughout the tournament and Rashid couldn't be happier.
"In T20s if you get a good start, it helps us in the middle overs. They have given great starts to us in the whole competition. It makes it easier for us to go harder at the batsmen. They have delivered, they were very clear in their minds," Rashid said.
On multiple rain interruptions that eventually shortened the match, Rashid said they were mentally ready to take all 10 wickets.
"Rain is something not in our hands but mentally we knew we have to play 20 overs and take 10 wickets.
"That's the only way we could win. But Gulbadin, he had some cramps. But his wicket was invaluable to us," he said.
Rashid Khan reckoned there will be huge celebration back home as the Afghanistan team qualified for the semi-final for the first time in any ICC tournament.
"It's a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion," he remarked.
Ahead of the tournament, Brian Lara had predicted Afghanistan to reach the semis and Rashid said he is immensely proud to have proved the West Indies legend right.
"The only guy who put us in the semifinals was Brian Lara and we proved him right. When we met him at a welcome party, I told him we won't let you down," he concluded.
On the other hand, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted the team was let down by its batters once again in the competition.
"We bowled really well. As a bowling unit we did a lot of good things. But as a batting unit we made some poor decisions especially in the middle overs," Shanto said.
"Whole tournament, we bowled really well, especially Rishad the new guy came and bowled really well, I am really happy for him. As a batting unit we really need to improve a lot."
(With PTI Inputs)
