Afghanistan qualified for the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time by beating Bangladesh by eight runs in a tense low-scoring classic in St Vincent. The victory sees them progress as runners-up from Super 8s Group 1, while knocking both Bangladesh and heavyweights Australia out of the tournament.
Despite needing a win to advance to the knockout stage, Afghanistan underperformed with the bat, scoring 115-5. The match turned into a rollercoaster, rain-interrupted run chase where both sides, and at times Australia, appeared to be favourites to progress. Ultimately, it was Afghanistan who emerged triumphant, with captain Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq taking four wickets apiece to secure a famous victory.
Bangladesh, who were also seeking to reach their first World Cup semi-final, needed to win by a large margin to qualify on net run-rate (NRR). They successfully throttled the dangerous Afghanistan opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who both fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (3-26). However, skipper Rashid Khan’s three late sixes boosted the total to a competitive level. Bangladesh’s target was revised to 114 off 19 overs, but they knew they had to knock off the runs in 12.1 overs to turn their overall NRR in the group in their favour.
Opener Litton Das anchored Bangladesh’s innings, ending on 54 not out, but they lost veteran Shakib al Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to successive balls from Naveen in the third over. Despite failing with their own quest, the Tigers remained in contention for a consolation win that would have seen Australia qualify ahead of Afghanistan on NRR. However, Naveen took the final two Bangladesh wickets in successive deliveries, either side of a short rain delay, sparking rapturous celebrations among the Afghan team and fans. Afghanistan will now face South Africa in Trinidad on Thursday, just one match away from a potential final against either defending T20 champions England or India.
