* Aussie sent packing home as Afghanistan pull out a rabbit from Bangladesh’s hat – Super 8 (Match 52)
By Dwayne Ferreira
In a dramatic turn of events at the Twenty20 World Cup, Afghanistan secured a semi-final spot with an eight-run victory over Bangladesh under the Duckworth-Lewis System in St Vincent on Monday. This win, along with India’s qualification from Group 1, sends Australia packing.
Bangladesh had a chance to advance or push Australia through with a victory, but Afghanistan bowled them out for 105, setting up a historic first World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Trinidad on Wednesday.
Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals wasn’t without its challenges. They posted a modest 115-5, with skipper Rashid Khan taking 4-23 and Naveen-ul-Haq 4-26 in a spirited bowling effort. The final overs were filled with tension as Bangladesh needed roughly a run a ball, and the DLS calculations fluctuated with each wicket and boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq delivered the decisive blows in the penultimate over, dismissing Taskin Ahmed and trapping Mustafizur Rahman in front with consecutive balls, sparking emotional celebrations from the Afghan team.
Earlier in the day, India defeated Australia by 24 runs in St Lucia, leaving the 2021 champions’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread. India will face titleholders England in the second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday.
Winning the toss, Rashid Khan chose to bat first, fielding the same team that had stunned Australia at the Arnos Vale Ground on Saturday. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who had built a strong foundation in previous matches, managed a third century partnership of the tournament, crucial for Afghanistan’s chances.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Rishad Hossain (3-26), made scoring difficult with 66 dot balls. They broke the opening partnership at 59 runs in the 11th over, leading to a rapid collapse from 84-1 to 93-5 within 11 balls. Rashid’s quickfire 19 from 10 balls, including three sixes, added vital runs despite frustrations in the final over.
Chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs after rain delays, Bangladesh started aggressively. Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Tanzid Hasan in the second over, while Naveen-ul-Haq removed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan in successive balls. Despite rain interruptions and regular fall of wickets, Litton Das stood firm, scoring 54 not out as his team fell short.
Afghanistan’s victory marks a significant milestone, showcasing their resilience and skill on the global stage.
Chief Scores
Afghanistan 115 for 5 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 43, Rashid Khan 19 not out, Rishad Hossein 3 for 26)
Bangladesh 105 all out in 17.5 overs (Litton Das 54 not out, Rashid Khan 4 for 23, Naveen Ul Haq 4 for 26)
Player of the Match – Naveen Ul Haq
Bangladesh 115
