Afghanistan has done it; they are through to the semi-finals for the first time in history. Afghans defeated Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) and qualified for the Top 4. With this win for Afghanistan, Australia has been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan are the stars of Afghanistan’s win today. Both of them bagged 4 wickets each. Who would have thought before the start of the tournament that India, Afghanistan, South Africa, and England would be the final four? Cricket is a funny game and I absolutely love it.
Afghanistan Heroics In T20 World Cup
Afghanistan started its campaign with a win against New Zealand, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea as they qualified for the Super 8. In Super 8, Afghanistan lost to India, followed by an incredible and first-ever victory against the mighty Australia, and then defeated Bangladesh today to qualify for the semi-finals.
Apart from West Indian legend Brian Lara, no one has predicted Afghanistan to qualify for the Top 4. But Rashid Khan’s men have done the unthinkable. Afghanistan qualified for the first time into the semis and the entire nation is celebrating the victory.
India Defeated Australia Helped Afghanistan
The T20 World Cup 2024 journey of Afghanistan has its ups and downs. They lost to India in the first match of Super 8. However, after the loss against India, Afghanistan needs to win their remaining two matches and wants a favor for India to beat Australia to proceed. First, Afghans have defeated Australia and to be honest no one saw that coming.
Last night, Team India took revenge for the World Cup 2023 from Australia and defeated them by 24 runs. India qualified, but it was the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match that decided the last team from Group 1. Afghans beating Bangladesh not only seals their birth for the semi-finals but also knocks Australia out of the T20 World Cup.
Celebrations All Around Afghanistan
This win means a lot for Afghans. The team does not have their international stadiums in their country. They play their home games in either India or in UAE. The team has always been called minnows and if they beat big teams, those wins were called upsets.
But now, Afghans have given the message to the world loud and clear, they are no more a minnow. In fact, they are Giant Killers. The videos surfaced online showing the celebration in Afghanistan’s various cities. They truly deserve this moment.
Now Afghanistan will play South Africa in the first semi-final at Trinidad, followed by India vs England in the second semi-final at Guyana. What a story we have witnessed in cricket. The Afghans are an inspiration to millions. Both Afghanistan and South Africa have not yet played the final of any World Cup be it ODIs or T20Is. It will be the first time any of these teams will play the final. Which team you guys are supporting to lift the T20 World Cup? Let us know in the comments below.
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