Historic Win: Afghanistan Reaches First World Cup Semi-Finals, Australia Eliminated

Jonathan Trott instructed Afghanistan to slow down the game when rain was forecast. Rashid Khan had his hands on his head at various points during the chase. Mohammad Nabi maintained a constant smile on his face. Dwayne Bravo was unable to watch it. 

The one moment that summed up the emotionally charged night in Kingstown was Naveen-ul-Haq taking off after taking Bangladesh’s final wicket. This marked Afghanistan’s first appearance in a men’s senior World Cup semi-final. Afghanistan, led by four-fors from Naveen and Rashid, defeated Bangladesh by eight runs in a start-stop match, knocking Australia out of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Afghanistan’s dramatic win secures its semi-final spot.

Both teams, along with Australia, were vying for one semi-final spot in Super Eight Group 1. The rain only added to the tension. A cat-and-mouse game lasted for the better part of an hour. There were moments when Bangladesh edged out Afghanistan on the DLS par score. 

It is only for the latter to reclaim the lead by picking up wickets. Litton Das had a best of 36 before Monday in the tournament. He battled through it all but couldn’t lead Bangladesh over the finish line. Rashid and his teammates danced their hearts out after defeating two teams with a single blow.

Rashid’s Contribution To Game

Rashid walked in at 93 for 5 with 14 balls remaining. He faced ten of them, tried attacking shots on nine of them, and finished with 19 not out. He hit three sixes, two of them in the final over bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He made good use of the willow, except for one occasion when he flung it at his partner, Karim Janat. 

It was the final over of the innings, and Rashid requested a second run to keep the strike, but Janat refused. Still, he helped Afghanistan score 22 in the last 14 balls, bringing them to a fighting total just as the heavens opened in Kingstown. Stay up to date on the latest cricket news and don’t miss any 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 updates or stories from Starpunternews.