Afghanistan stormed into the semi-final of the ICC T20 match defeating Bangladesh.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, June 26, 2024: Afghanistan stormed into the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Bangladesh in a rain-affected encounter on Tuesday night. The Afghan side won the low-scoring thriller by 8 runs under the D/L method, delivering a knockout blow to Australia, which was eliminated from the tournament.
In Group 1, India had already booked a semi-final berth after three consecutive wins in the Super 8 stage, finishing with six points. Afghanistan, with victories against Australia and Bangladesh, secured four points to take the second spot, while Australia managed just one win and two points.
Afghanistan’s Innings: 115/5 (20 overs):
Opting to bat first after winning the toss at the St Vincent Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a steady start, putting on 59 runs for the first wicket in 10.4 overs. Zadran scored 18 off 29 deliveries with one boundary, while Gurbaz top-scored with 43 off 55 balls, including three fours and a six.
Batting was challenging on a seaming, bouncy surface under overcast skies. Abdullah Omerzai made 10 off 12 balls, while skipper Rashid Khan provided a late flourish, smashing 19 off just 10 balls with three sixes. Afghanistan finished at 115 for 5 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s Innings: 105 all out (17.5 overs):
Chasing 116, Bangladesh got off to a poor start, losing Tanzid Hasan for a duck in the second over. Litton Das fought a lone battle with a composed 54 off 49 balls (5 fours, 1 six), but lacked support from the other end. Towhis Hridoy added 14 off 9 balls and Soumya Sarkar chipped in with 10 off 10 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure
.
Bangladesh was bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs in a rain-interrupted contest, handing Afghanistan victory by 8 runs (DLS).
Bowling highlights:
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan led from the front with an impressive spell of 4 for 23 in 4 overs, while Naveen-ul-Haq also bagged 4 for 26 in 3.5 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib picked up a wicket each.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain took 3 for 26, while Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed claimed one wicket apiece.
With this historic win, Afghanistan reached their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final, marking a defining moment in their cricketing journey.
Also Read: The BCCI announced the Team India Squad for the T20 World Cup.
EOM.