Afghanistan achieved an unforgettable moment in their cricketing expedition when they conquered Bangladesh at Arnos Vale Stadium on 25 June 2024 in an enthralling match setting them up for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals debut.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan faced a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran got things started cautiously, finding it difficult facing off with accurately bowled deliveries. The beginning sign came when Shakib Al Hasan cut shot Rahmanullah.Cartwheeling fifties frame,Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi picked up sensibly from there on.
As Afghanistan seemed to speed up, wickets started falling. The pair of Bangladesh’s spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain made it very clear that the middle order was weak. Nonetheless, in the end Rashid Khan who scored 19 runs not out after facing 10 balls made some little push which Afghanistan so badly needed and they ended up making 115/5 within 20 overs that they were allocated for batting.
Bangladesh’s chase began with promise. Early momentum was provided by Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar, but the introduction of Afghanistan’s spin attack made all the difference, in the end. Picking up 4 wickets each, Rashid Khan and Naveen ul Haq were the terror of Bangladesh’s batsmen. Starting from 17.5 overs when all of them were out at 105 runs, without rotating the strike or forging any useful partnerships among themselves.
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Player of the match was Naveen-ul-Haq for his amazing figures of 4/21. The accurate pace bowling and wicket-taking ability at critical junctures by him have been a significant factor in Afghanistan’s win.
This win marks a significant milestone for Afghan cricket. The team is famous for their enthusiastic following among supporters who just love the way they play the sport – it has advanced continuously ever since it was first established. Their hard work and having put up an effective cricketing foundation locally are clearly demonstrated in the twenty20 World Cup win.
The result also throws the tournament wide open. Afghanistan now awaits the winner of the upcoming match between India and England to determine their semifinal opponent.
