T20 World Cup: Afghanistan secure historic first-ever semi-final place, knock out Australia in the process
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Published 25/06/2024 at 07:44 GMT
Afghanistan created a new chapter in the history of their fledgling cricket team with a pulsating eight-run win over Bangladesh which sealed a first-ever place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the batting statistics with 43 runs, but it was the bowling of Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq which ultimately proved to be decisive on a brilliant night for the Asian nation.
Afghanistan reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals
Image credit: Getty Images
Afghanistan achieved a landmark cricketing milestone after reaching their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final.
The Asian nation sealed second spot in Super 8s Group 1 and dumped out 2021 champions Australia in the process.
Bangladesh were the opponents in St Vincent, and a place in the last four was very much in the balance after setting them a very achievable target of 115.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the way with 43 runs from 55 balls in Afghanistan’s innings, but it was touch and go whether their total would be enough.
But this Afghanistan side showed immense fortitude in their second innings, which was blighted by rain, to get the job done.
Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq were the stars of the show after taking four wickets each and sealing an eight-run victory.
While Afghanistan may have booked an historic last-four place, they denied Bangladesh from accomplishing what would have also been a debut appearance in the semi-finals.
That was despite the bowling exploits of Rishad Hossain’s 3-26, dispatching openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in the process.
It was still a big ask for the South East Asian nation, who needed to win in 12.1 overs and ensure the net run-rate went in their favour.
However, losing Shakib al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto in consecutive balls off the bowling of Naveen-ul-Haq in the third over would severely hamper their hopes.
Australia would have been hoping that Bangladesh could go onto claim what would have been a mere consolation victory, but Rashid Khan’s 4-23 proved to be crucial in keeping Afghanistan on track.
The victory was secured when Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman fell to the bowling of Naveen, and wild celebrations ensued.
A tantalising semi-final clash against South Africa on Thursday in Trinidad at 1.30am UK time awaits, while England face India in Guyana at 3.30pm the same day.
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