In a historic victory, Afghanistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by the exceptional Rashid Khan, delivered a spirited performance to secure an 8-run win over Bangladesh using the DLS method. This thrilling encounter took place during their final Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
This historic win was monumental for the Afghan cricketers, who knew they needed a victory to advance. They held their nerves during a tense finish to achieve this milestone.
The match was a challenging one for Afghanistan, who managed only 115 after choosing to bat first. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled to find their rhythm early on.
Gurbaz was dismissed after scoring 43 off 55 balls, and Ibrahim Zadran contributed 18 off 29 balls. Afghanistan needed impactful performances from the middle order, but the batters couldn’t adjust to the slow pitch.
Captain Rashid Khan provided a quick cameo of 19 off just 10 balls, hitting three sixes to help his team reach a respectable total. The Bangladesh bowlers were disciplined, with Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman each taking a wicket, and leg spinner Rishad Hossain delivering an impressive 3-26 in his four overs. To advance to the semi-finals, Bangladesh needed to chase down the target in 12.1 overs.
However, Bangladesh’s chase was derailed early by Afghanistan’s seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, reducing them to 23-3. Despite their efforts to show intent, they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Rashid Khan then entered the attack, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order by taking the wickets of Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, and Rishad Hossain.
Litton Das stood firm, keeping Bangladesh’s hopes alive as they needed 12 runs in 2 overs with 2 wickets remaining. Despite the manageable required run rate, Naveen-ul-Haq had other plans. He dismissed Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman on consecutive deliveries, sealing the match for Afghanistan and securing a historic semi-final berth. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan each took 4 wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib claimed one apiece.
Afghanistan is set to take on South Africa in the first semi-final in Trinidad. This marks Afghanistan’s debut in a senior ICC tournament semi-final.
Tears filled the eyes of players, support staff, and fans alike as Afghanistan clinched a breathtaking victory. This triumph follows a period of mockery for daring to believe in overcoming cricket’s formidable giants.
