In a night filled with high drama and fluctuating fortunes, Afghanistan achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever semi-final berth in a men’s senior World Cup. The climactic moment came when Naveen-ul-Haq trapped Mustafizur Rahman leg-before, clinching an eight-run victory over Bangladesh.
The emotionally charged atmosphere was palpable in Kingstown. Jonathan Trott, visibly tense, was seen kicking a bag in the dressing room and signaling to slow the game down. Rashid Khan frequently held his head in his hands, while Mohammad Nabi maintained a constant smile throughout the tense match.
Rain interruptions added to the suspense of the match, which saw remarkable performances from Naveen and Rashid Khan, each taking four wickets. The win not only propelled Afghanistan into the semi-finals but also ended Australia’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Group 1 of the Super Eight had three teams vying for a single semi-final spot. The rain created a cat-and-mouse game, with Bangladesh momentarily ahead on the DLS par scores before Afghanistan regained control.
Litton Das, who managed his first fifty of the tournament, remained a key player for Bangladesh but fell short of leading his team to victory. Afghanistan’s triumph was celebrated with exuberant dancing, marking the end of an unforgettable night.
