T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan clinch historic semis spot with Bangladesh win; Australia knocked out

Afghanistan scripted history at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the West Indies on Tuesday (June 25) after they clinched a place in the semifinal with a thrilling win over Bangladesh. The eight-run win over Bangladesh also saw the Asian side knock out heavyweights Australia and will play South Africa in the semis. Skipper Rashid Khan was the hero of the match having led from the front with figures of 23/4 as Afghanistan now await South Africa in the semis.

Afghanistan win thriller to clinch semis spot

Tasked to defend 116 in a rain-affected contest, Afghanistan needed their bowlers to come good as they won the contest in thrilling fashion. While Liton Das (unbeaten 54) sparkled with the bat, it was the Afghanistan bowler’s determination that saw them clinch a place in the last four. Chasing 114 after DLS revised target, apart from Das, only Soumya Sarkar (10) and Towhid Hridoy (14) got into double figures as Bangladesh were bowled out for 105.

Rashid’s 23/4 was the highlightwhile Naveen-ul-Haq also came good in the death overs with figures of 26/4 as the duo clinched a place in the semis for Afghanistan for the first time in history.

Bangladesh were also left disappointed as they too had an opportunity to clinch a place in the semis had they won in 12.2 overs but were ultimately left to rue their chances.

Afghanistan to meet South Africa

The win for Afghanistan meant they finished in the top two of the Super 8 Group 1 and will now face South Africa for a place in the final. As things stand, Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan are two wins away from winning an improbable T20 World Cup. Their match will take place on Wednesday (Thursday in India) with a win seeing them face either England or India who play in the second semifinal later in the day.