Watch: Afghanistan booked their maiden semi-final berth in a men's T20 World Cup after beating Bangladesh in a low-scoring Super Eights thriller in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With a historic semi-final spot on the line, Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. The prolific opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43) and Ibrahim Zadran (18) played their usual waiting game, but there was no late charge from Afghanistan’s batting line-up this time. A late cameo from Rashid Khan (19 not out off 10) gave the innings some impetus, but still, Afgahnistan’s total of 115-5 on the slowish Kingstown surface was way below-par. Bangladesh’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Rishad Hossain, who took 3-26.
The pressure of the high-stakes clash got the better of both teams at times. Bangladesh were erratic on the field as they missed a simple run out chance, owing to a horrible mixup between Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai. Rashid lost his cool after teammate Karim Janat denied him the strike in the last over, with him hurling his onto the pitch in frustration.
Bangladesh were in with a chance to make it to the top four if they gunned down the target inside 12.1 overs. Repeated rain delays meant DLS scores came into play with Bangladesh now needing 114 in 19 overs to win the game. Afghanistan took regular wickets but Litton Das (54 not out off 49) kept Bangladesh well above the asking rate. Rashid Khan's middle overs burst helped Afghanistan claw back into the game. Naveen-ul-Haq, who chipped in with two early wickets in the powerplay, cleaned up the tail in the final overs, finishing with 4-26. Rashid took 4-23.
Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the first semi-final in Tarouba on June 26. The result also means both Australia and Bangladesh are knocked out of the competition.
Watch the highlights of AFG vs BAN here:
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