Electing to bat first, Afghanistan found the going tough on a Kingstown wicket not very suitable for run-scoring. They were 58-0 at the 10-over mark, and a steady flow of wickets thereafter left them needing a cameo from Rashid Khan to lift the score to 115-5, before rain set in during the innings break.
Bangladesh needed to chase the target in 12.1 overs to qualify for the semifinals, while Afghanistan just needed to win the match. In a chase with several twists and turns, Bangladesh eventually finished 8 runs short via the DLS method as Naveen-ul-Haq took the last two Bangladeshi wickets off consecutive deliveries in the 18th over. Afghanistan will now play South Africa in the first semifinal in Trinidad on June 26.
CELEBRATION IN AFGHANISTAN. 🤯
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 25, 2024
- The moment when Afghanistan created history. pic.twitter.com/PbC5FE3hOC
Reactions to Afghanistan's semifinal qualification
Several fans and experts weighed in on a historic night for Afghanistan.
What a win for Afghanistan!! Kudos to @rashidkhan_19 for leading from the front. Brilliantly led and bowled!! Special mention to Naveen-ul-Haq for holding his nerves and delivering a spectacular spell! Congratulations, Afghanistan!!
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan's magical march to the semi-final of the #ICCT20WorldCup should be a source of inspiration to everyone. They are always getting better, their players playing the leagues everywhere, playing with belief and pride. It is a beautiful story.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 25, 2024
The greatest cricketing journey ever
— Karthik Raj (@kartcric) June 25, 2024
This team is the greatest story this sport has seen. To go from where they were to where they are in the time that they have. Cricket is never going to see an Afghanistan story again. What a team, what a set of players.
— Aaditya Narayan (@AadityaN_28) June 25, 2024
One of the great games of cricket of all time, it has it ALL and Afghanistan make history.
— Andrew Leonard (@CricketBadge) June 25, 2024
It's a first World Cup semi-final for them and you can't help but argue they deserve every bit of it!! Outstanding scenes and drama.#T20WorldCup
Either Afghanistan or South Africa will play in their first ever World Cup final.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) June 25, 2024
Brilliant.
How it started vs How it's going #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/UqPvHPx4fR
— Sarthak Dev (@devellix) June 25, 2024
South Africa would have hoped for Australia to qualify. Afghanistan's bowling attack in Tarouba is a nightmare to face.
— Alagappan Vijayakumar (@IndianMourinho) June 25, 2024
Amazing how in the space of 48 hrs, Australia went from being favourites to being knocked out. Afghanistan have clearly been the superior team in the Super 8s & all the big picture stuff aside, have earned the right to be in the semis & look like potential champions #T20WorldCup
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) June 25, 2024
Absolute Drama!
Afghanistan have come a long way and what a performance under pressure from them👏👏👏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 25, 2024
Be scared @prasannalara because Tarouba spins 👏😂
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