(Web Desk Monitoring) –Afghanistan has secured a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final for the first time in history by defeating Bangladesh. Despite a valiant effort from Bangladesh, they ultimately fell short.

Match Summary

Afghanistan batted first and posted a seemingly below-par total of 115 runs on a challenging pitch. However, their bowlers, led by the indomitable Rashid Khan and the fiery Naveen-ul-Haq, rose to the occasion and delivered under pressure.

Rashid Khan’s spell in the middle overs was nothing short of magical, derailing Bangladesh’s chase at a crucial juncture. He finished with four wickets, further cementing his status as one of the premier bowlers in the tournament.

Naveen-ul-Haq was equally spectacular, especially in his opening spell, where he claimed two key wickets. Naveen’s early breakthroughs set the tone, putting Bangladesh on the back foot right from the start.

Key Performances

Despite the mounting pressure, Litton Das stood as a beacon of hope for Bangladesh. Carrying his bat through the innings, Litton played a lone hand, keeping his team’s hopes alive even as wickets tumbled around him. His resilience kept the required run rate in check, and at various points, Bangladesh seemed well on track to chase down the target.

However, frequent rain interruptions added another layer of complexity to the match. The DLS method came into play multiple times, adjusting the target and increasing the tension. Afghanistan’s fielding showed signs of nerves with a few dropped chances, but their determination never wavered.

As the final overs unfolded, Litton Das found himself running out of partners. The pressure mounted, and Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve to seal a historic win. The moment the last wicket fell, scenes of jubilation erupted on the field. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, in tears of joy, was embraced by his teammates as Afghanistan celebrated their maiden entry into the World Cup semi-finals.

Player of the Match

Naveen-ul-Haq was named the player of the match. Reflecting on the team’s performance, he said, “We have worked so hard over the past few years and we were dreaming and working for this day. I’m lost for words. We always knew that they were going hard in the powerplay to chase the total down in 12.1 overs so we knew we were in the game as long as we kept picking wickets.”

Semi-Final Lineup

The semi-final teams for the T20 World Cup 2024 are now confirmed: India, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. The first semi-final will be played between South Africa and Afghanistan, while the second will feature England and India.

A Dream Realized

This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan but also spells heartbreak for Australia, who are now knocked out of the tournament. For the Afghan fans and players, this is a dream realized, a testament to their hard work, resilience, and unyielding spirit. As Afghanistan moves forward to the semi-finals, they carry the hopes of a nation and the admiration of the cricketing world.

The stage is set for more thrilling cricket, and Afghanistan’s journey promises to be a captivating story in the annals of World Cup history.