In a rain-affected Super 8 encounter, Afghanistan secured their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal berth with an eight-run victory over Bangladesh, etching a historic chapter in their cricketing saga.
Spearheaded by the indomitable Rashid Khan, Afghanistan triumphed despite formidable odds, overcoming not just their opponents but years of adversity.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan's innings stumbled to a modest 115/5, thanks to disciplined Bangladeshi bowling. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain led the attack with figures of 3/26, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz's laborious 43 off 55 balls stood as the highest individual score for the Afghans.
Frequent rain interruptions truncated the match to 19-overs-a-side, revising Bangladesh's target to 114.
Rashid's team displayed the tenacity that has defined their rise in international cricket since becoming a full ICC member in 2017. Their bowlers, led by Rashid (4/23) and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26), mounted a valiant defense of their low total, skittling Bangladesh out for 105 in 17.5 overs. Litton Das (54 not out) fought a lone battle for Bangladesh, but his efforts were in vain.
Afghanistan's path to the semifinals was eased by India, who handed Australia a 24-run defeat the previous night, effectively knocking the defending champions out of the tournament. The Afghans, who have often trained and played home matches in India due to the lack of facilities in their war-torn country, now prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals on June 27.
"It's unbelievable, I don't have any words to describe my feelings. Back home, everyone is so happy for this big achievement," an elated Rashid said post-match.
The match's onset saw Bangladesh capitalize on a tricky pitch, bowling 66 dot balls. Despite the challenging conditions, Afghanistan's openers, Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, forged a crucial 59-run partnership. However, the middle-order collapse left Afghanistan teetering before Rashid's late flourish pushed them past the 100-run mark.
Bangladesh's chase began disastrously with early wickets tumbling. Fazalhaq Farooqi set the tone by dismissing Tanzid Hasan for a duck in the second over. Naveen-ul-Haq then produced a spectacular over, removing Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) and veteran Shakib Al-Hasan (0), leaving Bangladesh reeling at 31/3 when rain intervened.
Resuming play with aggression, Bangladesh clawed to 46/3 at the six-over mark. Rashid, bringing himself into the attack, spun his web to devastating effect. He claimed two wickets in consecutive overs, turning the tide back in Afghanistan's favor. Yet, Bangladesh's fearless approach saw them edge ahead on the DLS par score.
The Afghan skipper, refusing to relent, struck again, achieving the milestone of the fastest to 150 T20 wickets, surpassing New Zealand's Tim Southee.
Controversy ensued as rain interrupted play once more, with Afghanistan ahead on the DLS score. Coach Jonathan Trott was animated on the sidelines, and all-rounder Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp-induced delay tactics drew ire from commentators, who dubbed him the "eighth wonder of the world" for his swift recovery.
Despite Litton Das's valiant half-century, the regular fall of wickets at the other end doomed Bangladesh's chase. Naveen-ul-Haq's return to the attack sealed the deal, removing the final two Bangladeshi batsmen.
Afghanistan's emotional celebrations post-match marked the dawn of a new era for the team, which has faced significant challenges due to the political situation back home.
Their advancement to the semifinals is a testimony to their resilience and passion for cricket, despite missing out on crucial international exposure due to Australia's refusal to host them, citing the Taliban takeover and concerns over women's rights.
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