Afghanistan made it to their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final with an exciting eight-run win over Bangladesh in a rain-affected match at Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent on Tuesday. Defending a modest score of 115 for five on a difficult pitch favoring bowlers, Afghan captain Rashid Khan shone by taking four wickets for 23 runs. The match endured three rain interruptions, adjusting the target to 114 runs off 19 overs. Despite needing a win to stay in contention, Bangladesh was bowled out for 105 runs in 17.5 overs.
Litton Das remained a major threat with an unbeaten 54 runs, jeopardizing Afghanistan's defense and Australia's net run rate-based chances. However, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq claimed the crucial wickets of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman on consecutive balls in the second-last over, leading to joyful celebrations from the Afghan team.
Earlier, India's win over Australia secured India's spot in the second semi-final against England in Guyana on Thursday. This outcome confirmed Afghanistan as the second team from Group 1 to advance, thereby eliminating both Australia and Bangladesh.
