Afghanistan Clinch Thrilling Semi-Final Spot After Dramatic Win Over Bangladesh
Published: 2024-06-25 09:04:58

Two days after their upset victory against Australia, Afghanistan continued their dream run in the T20 World Cup with a heart-stopping win over Bangladesh, booking their place in the semi-finals.

![Afganistan](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7qczbc9y1nasg8gu82gt.png)

**India's morning win set the stage:** With India's win over Australia earlier in the day, a victory for Afghanistan was all they needed to secure a semi-final berth ahead of the 2021 champions, Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh rose to the challenge, putting in a commendable bowling performance to restrict Afghanistan to a modest total of 115/5 in their 20 overs.

**Rain adds another twist:**** The match witnessed a couple of rain interruptions, adding to the drama. While these breaks provided some respite for the batsmen, they also upped the tension as the required run rate fluctuated.

**Turning Point:** Bangladesh's Middle-Overs Meltdown
Bangladesh, chasing a relatively low target, looked well on course initially. However, their batting faltered in the middle overs, with wickets falling in quick succession. This collapse proved decisive in the outcome of the match.

**Rashid Khan Wreaks Havoc:** Afghanistan's star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, was instrumental in Bangladesh's middle-order collapse. He picked up four crucial wickets, including the prized scalps of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, effectively derailing the Bangladesh chase.

**Naveen Ul Haq Provides Excellent Support:** Well supported by fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq, who also bagged four wickets, Rashid Khan restricted Bangladesh to a paltry 105 runs in their allotted overs.

**Litton Das' valiant effort in vain:** Bangladesh's wicket-keeper batsman, Litton Das, played a lone hand, scoring a gritty half-century. However, he lacked support from the other end, and his valiant effort wasn't enough to take his team over the finish line.

**DLS comes into play:** Another rain interruption towards the end of the Bangladesh innings further complicated matters. The Duckworth-Lewis method (DLS) was brought into play, requiring Bangladesh to score 114 runs in their remaining 17.5 overs to win.

**Nail-biting finish:**** The final few overs of the match were a tense affair. Litton Das continued his fight, but wickets kept falling at the other end. With the equation down to a manageable 9 runs required from 9 balls, Naveen Ul Haq struck again, dismissing Taskin Ahmed.

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**Afghanistan celebrates a historic win:** Naveen Ul Haq's final wicket of Mustafizur Rahman in the last over sealed the win for Afghanistan. Their jubilant celebrations reflected the significance of this victory, a historic moment for Afghan cricket.

**Looking ahead**: With this win, Afghanistan march on to the semi-finals, where they will face South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, head back home along with Australia.