Afghanistan edged past Bangladesh by a narrow margin of 8 runs (DLS method) in a tense Super 8 Group 1 encounter of T20 World Cup 2024 at the Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent. Chasing a modest target of 116 set by Afghanistan, Bangladesh fell short despite a valiant effort from Litton Das.
Afghanistan posts a competitive total
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43 runs) was the lone bright spark, anchoring the innings with a patient knock. The rest of the batting order failed to capitalize, with Rashid Khan (19 not out) providing a late flourish with three sixes. Rishad Hossain (3/26), Mustafizur Rahman (1/17) and Taskin Ahmed (1/12) were the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, keeping the Afghan batters in check.
Bangladesh falter in the run-chase
Despite losing a wicket early, Bangladesh looked well on their way to victory thanks to a gritty half-century by Litton Das (54 not out). However, the introduction of Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26) shifted the momentum in Afghanistan’s favour. The young pacer rattled the Bangladeshi batting order, picking up four crucial wickets in a quick spell. Skipper Rashid Khan (4/23) also chipped in with wickets at crucial junctures.
Player of the Match
Naveen-ul-Haq’s fiery spell with the new ball, where he rattled the top order, proved to be the turning point in the match. He was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match trophy for his match-winning performance.
This victory has taken Afghanistan to the semifinals for the first time ever in an ICC event, while both Bangladesh and Australia are now out of the tournament.
Here’s how X (Twitter) reacted:
Wow, Afghanistan. What an effort.
Beating New Zealand, beating Australia and making the semi- finals of a World Cup. This is what progress is. Congratulations— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 25, 2024
Absolute Drama!
Afghanistan have come a long way and what a performance under pressure from them👏👏👏
Be scared @prasannalara because Tarouba spins 👏😂
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 25, 2024
MADNESS!! CONGRATULATIONS @ACBofficials 🔥🙌🏻 #AFGvBAN #T20WC pic.twitter.com/xAuWU9OeBa
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 25, 2024
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 – 𝐀𝐅𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐒!!! 🙌#AfghanAtalan have successfully defended their total and have won the game by 8 runs (DLS) to make it to the Semi-Finals of the #T20WorldCup for the 1st time in their history. 👊🤩#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/isn1j9zub9
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024
– Rain
– wickets
– hamstring
– Liton Das fightback
– rain
– wickets
– rain
– wicketsFinally Afghanistan won, it was peak cinema, Afghanistan you beauty. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wOnfuOiQrx
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 25, 2024
Q) What do you call an Australian in the knockouts of the 2024 T20 World Cup?
A) Umpire!Congratulations to Afghanistan on today’s history making triumph.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) June 25, 2024
Be proud of yourself, Afghanistan.
You’ve scripted history!!! 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/4qkGziaFba
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2024
Finally afghanistan qualified into the ICC cricket World Cup semi final, indeed one of the greatest victory in cricket history for Afghan Atalans.
Congratulations everyone 🇦🇫❤️.#AFGvBAN #BANvAFG #Afghanistan— Obaid Rahimi Mashwani (@IamObaidRahimi) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 8 runs 📷📷
Scorecard: https://t.co/52DAi5CrW4#cricket #T20WorldCup #AFGvBAN #RashidKhan #afghanistan pic.twitter.com/rvOx40Ubcs
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 25, 2024
All the Afghanistan players are in tears of pure joy
Every player contributed,from Naveen ul Haq to Gulbadin😂
And those the crucial 19 runs by Rashid Khan
you all deserve this moment of celebration your hardwork paid off🫡
AFGHANISTAN THROUGH TO SEMI FINALS!#AFGvBAN #BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/xtPktla3lY— drishtiiiii (@drishtii0515) June 25, 2024
T64-
I am extremely happy for Afghanistan 👏. It is very well deserved. It is not at all a fluke. I wonder whether SA will be happy or sad to face Afghanistan in the semis. It is still better than facing the Aussies😃. Spare a thought for Jonathan Trott🤟#T20WorldCup #AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/EmiczlogpK
— Animesh_Talks (@Animesh_Talks) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan will face South Africa in Semi Final! South Africa is in great form but Cricket by Chance!
Afghanistan Vs South Africa
SEMI Final!#AFGvBAN #T20WorldCup— Raja Qaiser (@MrChibRajput) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan has made it into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024 🇦🇫
Afghanistan – The most inspirational cricket story in the World 👏
The team made by Refugees will soon rule the World of Cricket 🙌#AFGvBAN #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MqHRuoynwE
— Staunch Insafian (@Staunchinsaafi) June 25, 2024