Afghanistan advanced to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 by convincingly defeating Bangladesh with a DLS-adjusted par score. Afghanistan posted 115 runs, while Bangladesh fell short, managing only 105 runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq was named the Player of the Match and expressed his elation: “We’ve put in immense effort over the years, dreaming and striving for this moment. It’s hard to put into words.” Reflecting on his performance, he highlighted their strategy of taking wickets early, knowing Bangladesh’s aggressive approach in the powerplay.
The semi-finalists for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 are now confirmed: India, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
In the first semi-final, Afghanistan will face South Africa, while England will take on India in the second semi-final. This sets the stage for an exciting culmination to the tournament, with each team poised for a chance at cricketing glory.
Historic Achievement
Afghanistan has achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals after overcoming Bangladesh in a hard-fought contest.
Batting first on a challenging pitch, Afghanistan set what seemed like a modest total. However, their bowlers, led by the formidable Rashid Khan and the dynamic Naveen-ul-Haq, rose to the occasion under immense pressure.
Rashid Khan’s spell in the middle overs was particularly influential, dismantling Bangladesh’s chase at a crucial juncture with four wickets to his name, further solidifying his reputation as one of the tournament’s top bowlers.
Equally impressive was Naveen-ul-Haq, especially in the initial overs where he claimed two vital wickets, setting Bangladesh on the defensive from the outset.
Despite the mounting challenge, Litton Das provided hope for Bangladesh, carrying his bat throughout the innings and maintaining their chances despite losing wickets around him. His resilience kept Bangladesh’s required run rate within reach, and at times, victory seemed attainable.
However, intermittent rain interruptions complicated matters, invoking the DLS method multiple times to adjust the target and intensify the drama.
While Afghanistan’s fielding showed some nervous moments with a few dropped catches, their determination remained steadfast. In the closing overs, as pressure mounted and Bangladesh’s batting lineup thinned, Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve to secure a historic victory.
The scenes of jubilation on the field were palpable as Afghanistan celebrated their inaugural entry into the World Cup semi-finals, with Gurbaz, overcome with emotion, embraced by teammates amidst tears of joy.
This triumph not only signifies a significant achievement for Afghanistan but also marks a heartbreak for Australia, who are now eliminated from the tournament.
For Afghan players and fans, this achievement represents a dream fulfilled, showcasing their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit. As Afghanistan advances to the semi-finals, they carry the hopes of a nation and the admiration of the cricketing world.
With the stage set for more enthralling cricket, Afghanistan’s journey promises to carve a compelling narrative in the history of the World Cup, reflecting their rise and determination on the global stage.
