Afghanistan scripts history, reaches T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final to clash with South Africa

It was all about Afghanistan at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent. In a thrilling match, Afghanistan prevailed as they beat Bangladesh by 8 runs to secure their first-ever qualification in any senior ICC tournament semi-final.

It was a historic moment for the Afghan cricketers who came into this match knowing that they just needed a win to qualify. They did exactly that and made sure to hold their nerves during the tense finish.

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Afghanistan qualify for T20 World Cup semi-final

The match wasn't an easy one for the Afghans who scored just 115 after opting to bat first in the first innings. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled for timing at the start and just couldn't get going.

Gurbaz was dismissed for 43 off 55 balls while Ibrahim Zadran scored 18 off 29 balls. Afghanistan needed powerful cameos from the middle order but none of the batters could find the timing on a slow pitch.

Skipper Rashid Khan played a quick cameo of 19 off just 10 balls to take his team to a respectable score. Rashid smacked 3 sixes in his innings. It was a disciplined effort from the Bangladesh bowlers, who were right on the money.

Seamers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman picked up a wicket each while legspinner Rishad Hossain had an excellent day with 3-26 in four overs. Bangladesh needed to chase down the score in 12.1 overs to move to the semi-finals.

Chasing a modest target to win, Bangladesh were rocked early by Afghanistan's in-form seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq as they slumped to 23-3. Bangladesh tried to show intent but lost wickets in regular intervals.

Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq shine for Afghanistan

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan then came in to bowl and broke the back of Bangladesh's middle order by picking up the wickets of Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, and Rishad Hossain.

While the other batters were finding it tough, Litton Das stayed on the wicket to keep Bangladesh's hopes alive. The match reached at a stage when Bangladesh needed 12 runs in 2 overs with 2 wickets in hand and Litton Das was at the crease.

The required run rate was in control but Naveen-ul-Haq had other ideas. He dismissed Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman off successive deliveries to clinch the match for his side and hand Afghanistan a historic semi-final berth. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan picked up 4 wickets each for Afghanistan while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib picked up a wicket each.

Afghanistan knock out Australia from T20 World Cup 2024

Despite multiple rain interruptions and a low target to defend, Afghanistan kept their cool and kept on applying pressure on their opponents. In the end, they prevailed and made a historic entry into the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the first semi-final at Trinidad. This will be Afghanistan's first ever semi-final in a senior ICC tournament.

Afghanistan's victory means that Australia have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024. Earlier, Australia lost its last Super 8 game to India in St. Lucia.