Two days after their triumph over Australia, Afghanistan secured an extraordinary win against Bangladesh, advancing to the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals. After India defeated Australia in the morning match, Afghanistan knew that a victory would propel them past the 2021 champions. Despite a strong bowling performance from Bangladesh, which limited Afghanistan to 115/5 in 20 overs, Rashid Khan (4 for 23) and Naveen Ul Haq (4 for 26) led their team to the last-four stage.
Where the Game was Won:
Bangladesh faltered in the middle-overs, losing crucial wickets and failing to maintain momentum. In contrast, Afghanistan managed to lose only one wicket during this phase, which kept them in the game despite a slow start.
Afghanistan's Innings:
PowerPlay: Slow Start in Tough Conditions
Score: 27/0 [RR: 4.50, 4s/6s: 3/0]
In challenging batting conditions, Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adopted a cautious approach after Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat. Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed extracted steep bounce, making the openers uncomfortable. Gurbaz and Ibrahim managed to put together 27 runs without losing a wicket.
Middle-Overs: Gurbaz Pushes On
Score: 53/1 [RR: 5.89, 4s/6s: 5/1]
Despite the ball skidding through and making batting difficult, Gurbaz and Ibrahim extended their partnership past 50 runs. Gurbaz broke a streak of 39 dot balls with a six off Shakib Al Hasan. Rishad Hossain provided the breakthrough, dismissing Ibrahim with a catch at long-off. Taskin Ahmed then bowled a maiden over to Gurbaz before he cut loose against Rishad, adding 13 runs in an over.
Death Overs: Wickets and Rain
Score: 35/4 [RR: 7.00, 4s/6s: 2/3]
Afghanistan stumbled at the start of the death overs, losing wickets quickly. Azmatullah Omarzai edged a delivery behind to Litton Das, and Rishad dismissed Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib with well-tossed deliveries. Soumya Sarkar took both catches. Rashid Khan's late efforts pushed the score past 100, ending at 115/5. Heavy rain briefly interrupted play after the last-ball six.
Bangladesh's Innings
PowerPlay: Strong Start Despite Losing Wickets
Score: 46/3 [RR: 7.67, 4s/6s: 4/1]
Post rain, Bangladesh openers benefited from favourable conditions, with Litton Das taking advantage. However, Fazalhaq Farooqi trapped Tanzid Hasan leg before, and Naveen dismissed Najmul Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession. Another rain delay occurred, but Litton and Soumya Sarkar continued strongly afterwards.
Middle-Overs: Rashid Sparks Collapse
Score: 48/5 [RR: 5.34, 4s/6s: 6/0]
Rashid Khan dismantled Bangladesh's middle order, starting with Soumya Sarkar. He then took out Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah, with the latter dismissed after a successful review. Rishad Hossain's attempted slog sweep gave Rashid his fourth wicket. Rain reduced the target to 114 from 19 overs. Gulbadin Naib then dismissed Tanzim Hasan, bringing Afghanistan closer to victory.
Death Overs: Naveen Secures the Win
Litton Das, witnessing the collapse from the other end, brought up his half-century in the 16th over and continued fighting. Taskin Ahmed supported him, reducing the target to 9 runs off 9 balls. Naveen bowled Taskin, and a brief rain delay added to the tension. Upon resumption, Mustafizur Rahman was trapped leg before by Naveen, sparking wild celebrations from Afghanistan.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 115/5 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 43; Rishad Hossain 3-26) beat Bangladesh 105 in 17.5 overs (Litton Das 54; Rashid Khan 4-23, Naveen Ul Haq 4-26) by 8 runs (DLS Method).
What Next?
Bangladesh and Australia head home, while Afghanistan moves on to face South Africa in the first semi-final in Trinidad.