T20 WC: 'It's not...' - Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan on Gulbadin Naib's cramps during Bangladesh tie

On Monday (June 24, local time), Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 8 runs, in Kingstown, St. Vincent, in what was the last Super 8 encounterin the T20 World Cup. With this, theyqualifiedfor their maiden T20 WC semifinals. Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan had to win to join India from Group 1 inthe semis whereas Australia needed a favour from Bangladesh to progress ahead (following a loss to India). In a low-scoring thriller, Afghanistan edged past the Bangla Tigers to create history. During the run-chase, Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp came under scrutiny, which many deemed was a time-wasting tactic in the rain-marred contest.

During Bangladesh's chase of 116, there were many rain breaks. During the 12th over,Naib went down holding his leg while standing in the slip cordon just before a delivery was to be bowled by spinner Noor Ahmed. He did so soon after head coach Jonathan Trott signalled his players to slow down the game with rain set to reappear. Back then,Bangladesh were two runs behind in the DLS score. Thus, Trott wanted his side to slow it down withthe possibility of Bangladesh taking the upper hand, had that delivery been bowled.

Thus, Naib fell on the ground which many felt was a time-waste tactic. Following this, there was a break due to rain, which led to Bangladesh's target ultimately being revised to 114 in 19 overs. On resumption,they folded for 105 in 17.5 overs. Naib's act, however, continued to be the talking point, especially after he returned to the field and claimed a wicket and also sprinted with his teammates post their famous win.

However, Rashid defended the all-rounder after the game.

'There was no massive difference'

After a tight win, Rashid said, "Well, he had some cramp, I don't know what happened to him and I don't know what's going on in social media but that doesn't matter. It's just an on-field injury which happens, the rain came and we just went off, it's not something [that] brought a massive difference in the game. We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it's just like a small injury happens, then you have to take some time."

Talking about the clash, Afghanistan made 115/5 after opting to bat first and rode on skipper Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq's 4-fers to dismiss Bangladesh for 105.

They will now face South Africa in the first semifinal in Trinidad on Wednesday (June 26, local time).