Afghanistan create history in T20 World Cup

Afghanistan continue to created history at the T20 World Cup as Rashid Khan-led side qualify for the semifinals of the tournament.

The young Afghanistan side achieved this feat after defeating Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS) in the last Super 8 clash of the tournament on Tuesday.

Defending a revised target of 114 runs in 19 overs, they bowled out Bangladesh for just 105 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh restricted Afghanistan to 115 for five after opting to bat first on a challenging pitch in St Vincent.

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain starred with the figures of three for 26 runs, as the Afghan top order struggled against the varied attack.

Afghanistan needed a win to advance to the semi-finals and eliminate Australia from the tournament. Despite a promising start, with an opening partnership of 59 runs in 10.4 overs, Afghanistan couldn’t fully capitalize.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with a slow 43 off 55 balls.

Taskin Ahmed delivered an excellent four-over spell, conceding only 12 runs and took a wicket of former captain Mohammad Nabi.

In the final overs, Afghan skipper Rashid Khan provided some late fireworks, hitting three sixes in his unbeaten 19, pushing the total just over the 100-run mark.

This effort ultimately proved crucial as Afghanistan’s bowlers managed to defend the modest total and secure a semi-final berth.

In reply, Naveen-ul-Haq and captain Rashid Khan starred with the ball claiming four wickets each to guide Afghanistan to its first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das played a lone 54-run hand for Bangladesh, but didn’t get any support from other batters.

Eventually, they were bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs.