One of the greatest days in international cricket! Afghanistan secured a spot in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal by defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs in AFG vs BAN T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match on Tuesday (June 25) at Arnos Well Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent.
Afghanistan's win also resulted in Australia and Bangladesh being knocked out of T20 World Cup 2024 tournament. Naveen-ul-Haq played a pivotal role, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the final over (19th over due to DLS) to swing the match Afghanistan's way.
Amid tears and overwhelming emotions, Afghanistan clinched their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal berth, earning heartfelt applause and acclaim from fans all over the world.
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AFG vs BAN match shortened to 19 overs due to rain, with a revised DLS target set at 114 runs for Bangladesh.
Afghanistan have advanced to the semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup for first time ever, defeating Bangladesh by 8 wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method.
The fate of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia's semi-final hopes depended on outcome of BAN vs AFG match. Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh ended Australia's T20 World Cup campaign in the process.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first against Bangladesh. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz's resilient innings of 43 runs and a dynamic cameo from captain Rashid Khan, who smashed 19 runs off just 10 balls in the death overs with three sixes, powered Afghanistan to a competitive total of 115/5.
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Bangladesh captain Rishad Hossain showcased leadership by taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in his four overs. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed contributed with one wicket each.
Bangladesh began their chase of 115 strongly, but rain interruptions disrupted play and forced a reduction in overs to 19, adjusting their target to 114 under the DLS method.
Ultimately, Naveen's two wickets in two deliveries in the final over sealed historic win for Afghans, helping them reach their first-ever semi-final.