Rashid Khan’s four-wicket haul after the second rain break, coupled with Naveen-ul-Haq’s two crucial wickets, led Afghanistan to a historic semifinal qualification with an 8-run win over Bangladesh. Litton Das’s valiant half-century (54*), fell short as Bangladesh couldn’t chase the revised target of 114.
Play resumed after another rain delay, with Naveen-ul-Haq’s two-wicket over putting Bangladesh on the backfoot by dismissing Najmul Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan. Fazalhaq Farooqi had earlier dismissed Tanzid Hasan, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31/3 in 3.2 overs. Afghanistan’s innings, interrupted by rain, concluded with a six from Rashid Khan, setting a total of 115/5, thanks to his late cameo. Despite a slow start, scoring just 27 in the powerplay, Afghanistan managed a competitive score.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat, maintaining the same lineup that defeated Australia in their previous match. Bangladesh, needing a significant victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive, made two changes to their team.
With this win, Afghanistan secured a semifinal spot and will face South Africa next. Their path was eased by India’s victory over Australia, eliminating the need for Afghanistan to worry about their Net Run Rate (NRR). A loss would have knocked Afghanistan out due to an inferior NRR compared to Australia. Bangladesh’s slim chance for the semifinals required them to beat Afghanistan convincingly, either by a large run margin or a quick chase.
In their head-to-head T20I history, Afghanistan holds a slight edge with six wins out of 11 encounters. However, Bangladesh had previously defeated Afghanistan in their lone T20 World Cup clash.
Afghanistan’s confidence soared after their historic win against Australia, marking their first-ever victory over them in international cricket, which served as a redemption for their ODI World Cup loss to Australia last year in Mumbai.
Bangladesh, despite reaching the Super Eights, appeared deflated after consecutive losses to Australia and India. Shakib Al Hasan acknowledged their slim chances of semifinal qualification following the defeat to India.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh expressed hope for Bangladesh to secure a win against Afghanistan, which would help Australia’s semifinal chances. He noted India’s superiority in their recent match and encouraged Bangladesh to perform well against Afghanistan.
Match Highlights:
- Litton Das’s Resilient Half-Century: Das fought hard with an unbeaten 54 to push Bangladesh past the 100-run mark.
- Rashid Khan’s Four-Wicket Burst: Rashid’s crucial wickets after the rain break left Bangladesh struggling.
- Naveen-ul-Haq’s Double Strike: Naveen took two key wickets in consecutive deliveries.
- Afghanistan’s Total of 115/5: Rashid Khan’s late batting cameo ensured a competitive total.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Solid 43: Gurbaz narrowly missed a half-century with a steady 43 off 55 balls.
- Steady Start from Afghan Openers: Afghanistan posted 58/0 at the halfway mark despite a slow powerplay, finishing at 27/0 in 6 overs.
Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first paid off as Afghanistan’s performance secured their historic semifinal spot in the T20 World Cup 2024.