New York: Afghanistan sealed a famous win by 8 runs (via DLS method), in a dramatic rain-affected Super 8 encounter against Bangladesh. Australia are sent packing from the tournament, as they needed a Bangladesh win to qualify. This will be Afghanistan’s first appearance at the semi-finals of a major ICC event. Despite Litton Das carrying the bat to the end with a battling half-century, Rashid Khan’s four-wicket haul inspired Afghanistan to victory, defending a low total. Earlier, Rashid had also hit a 10-ball 19 run cameo with the bat, which took Afghanistan beyond the 100-run total.
Tears and smiles in tandem in the Afghan camp. A stellar journey that started in 2001 as an Associate Member nation has peaked with a maiden World Cup semifinal berth 23 years later. From minnows to underdogs, Afghanistan have shown that they are as good as any T20I side in the world.
Even monumental is that they have taken down the mighty Australia out of the tournament on their way to a maiden semifinal.
Litton Das put on a valiant show on with his half-century knock, but lacked support from the other end, as he remained unbeaten on 54 in Bangladesh’s failure to chase down the revised target of 114.
The rain stopped play once again after Naveen-ul-Haq put Bangladesh on the backfoot with a two-wicket over. He got the better of Najmul Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi drew the first blood and dismissed Tanzid Hasan. Bangladesh are 31/3 in 3.2 overs.
Earlier, The rain struck right after the Afghanistan innings which ended with a six by Rashid Khan. They managed to post 115/5 in 20 overs courtesy a late cameo by the skipper. Earlier, Afghanistan failed to take advantage of the powerplay and scored just 27. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the all-important clash on Tuesday. The Afghans decided to go unchanged from their last match where they outclassed Australia. While Bangladesh make a couple of changes.
