The Afghanistan national team secured a historic berth in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 after a thrilling victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday. Led by captain Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals marks their first-ever qualification at this stage in any International Cricket Council (ICC) event.
The Afghanistan team’s remarkable performance in the tournament included notable wins against New Zealand and Australia, sealing their spot in the Super 8 stage and subsequently eliminating Australia from contention. Following their crucial victory over Bangladesh, which solidified their semi-final spot, Rashid Khan received congratulations from Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in a video shared by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
د هېواد د بهرنیو چارو وزیر ښاغلي امیر خان متقي د نړیوال جام نیمه پایلوبو ته د افغان اتلانو د لارموندنې په پار لوبډلمشر راشد خان ته مبارکي ورکړه او لوبډلې ته یې د لا زیاتو بریاو غوښتنه وکړه، د دوی بشپړې ټیلیفوني خبرې اترې دلته اورېدلی شئ. pic.twitter.com/YMz3jI6Mwe
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024
“Mubarak,” began Muttaqi, extending his heartfelt congratulations to Rashid Khan and the entire Afghanistan team. The victory over Bangladesh sets up a semi-final clash against South Africa, scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking on the achievement, Rashid Khan expressed overwhelming emotions, describing the semi-final berth as a dream come true for the team. “It’s all about the way we have started the tournament. The belief came while we beat New Zealand. It’s unbelievable,” Rashid remarked.
Reflecting on their journey and preparation, Rashid acknowledged the team’s resilience and strategic clarity. “We thought 130-135 was a good total on this wicket,” he explained, recognizing their batting performance against Bangladesh. Despite a slight shortfall in runs, Rashid praised the team’s bowling strategy, which ultimately secured their victory.
“We knew they would come hard at us to chase that in 12 overs to get into the semifinal. That’s where we could take advantage,” Rashid elaborated on their bowling tactics. “If we bowled into the stumps, we had a better chance to getting them out.”
The Afghan team’s remarkable success in the T20 World Cup 2024 has garnered widespread acclaim and jubilation back home. “Back home, everyone is so happy for this big achievement,” Rashid conveyed the sentiments from Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan gears up to face South Africa in the semi-finals, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await another thrilling match in this historic T20 World Cup campaign.