New Delhi, India

Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 8 runs in the last Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup to qualify for the semifinals. Needing a win to progress ahead, the Afghans put on a show and edged past the Bangla Tigers at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on Monday (June 24, local time) to eliminate Australia from the semifinal race. Australia were dependent on Bangladesh's win, after losing to India by 24 runs, to enter the last four, however, Rashid Khan & Co.'s brilliant display led to their ouster.

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Talking about the Afghanistan-Bangladesh clash, the former opted to bat first and rode on opener Rahmatullah Gurbaz's 43 to post a paltry 115/5. In reply, the Bangla Tigers' run-chase was disrupted by constant rain breaks as the target was revised to 114 in 19 overs.

Eventually, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq's four wickets apiece dismantled Bangladesh for 105 in 17.5 overs. After Naveen claimed the last wicket, trapping Mustafizur Rahman lbw in the penultimate over, the Afghan players broke into celebrations as they created history by reaching their maiden semifinals.

Here is the video of their celebrations: 

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Also read: T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals: Afghanistan to face South Africa, India up against defending champions England

At the post-match presentation, skipper Rashid said, "It's something like a dream for us as a team being in the semifinal. It's all about the way we have started the tournament. The belief came while we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable, I don't have any words to describe my feelings. Back home, everyone is so happy for this big achievement. The only guy who put us in the semifinal was Brian Lara and we proved that right. Before the competition at the welcome party, I told him, 'We won't let you down. We'll make it through and prove you're right.' I am proud of this team." 

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Afghanistan, who have beaten Australia and New Zealand in the ongoing edition, will now take on South Africa in the first semifinal on Wednesday (June 26, local time) in Trinidad.

Meanwhile, India will lock horns with defending champions England in the second semifinal in Guyana on Thursday (June 27).