Afghanistan advances to the Semifinals of T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan advances to the Semifinals of T20 World Cup 2024

Bangladesh could have easily won if they hadn't lost many players in the middle of the game.

After defeating Australia, Afghanistan went on to beat Bangladesh in the match and proceeded to the semis of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. India had already beaten Australia, and so Afghanistan got what it wanted, to win. Afghanistan attained 115 runs for five wickets in 20 overs Bangladesh has put in an excellent bowling performance. Even this rain helped a bit, but Rashid Khan and Naveen ul Haq bowled really well and thus took Afghanistan towards victory.

At what point did the game was won?

Bangladesh could have easily won if they hadn't lost many players in the middle of the game. On the other hand, Afghanistan did well by losing only one player during this time, even though they started slow and needed to speed up.

Afghanistan:

The Initial Overs - 27/0 [RR: 4.50, 4s/6s: 3/0]

In a difficult beginning of the game, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were careful in their approach after Rashid Khan decided to stay on the field. Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed provided fast-paced deliveries, creating a tough situation.  Ibrahim hit one-four after a ball went for byes. Shakib Al Hasan almost got a wicket, but a catch was sinked. Only one more four was shot in the first six overs as Bangladesh bowled well.

Middle Overs - 53/1 [RR: 5.89, 4s/6s: 5/1]

The scoring rate improved slightly, but the ball was still hard to play. Gurbaz and Ibrahim made a 50-run partnership for the fourth time in the World Cup. However, Afghanistan went 39 balls without hitting a boundary. Gurbaz hit a six off Shakib, but they struggled with dot balls due to excellent bowling. Rishad Hossain got Ibrahim out with a catch by Tanzim. Taskin bowled a maiden over to Gurbaz, who then hit 13 runs in the 14th over. Shakib ended his great spell with 0 for 19 in 4 overs.

Death Overs - 35/4 [RR: 7.00, 4s/6s: 2/3]

Afghanistan struggled earlier, losing the wickets rapidly. Bangladesh bowlers Rishad and Mustafizur took key wickets. Rishad’s fourteen wickets in this World Cup set a Bangladesh record. Rashid Khan’s late effort couldn’t save Afghanistan, who survived only 115 runs. Rain briefly haltered the play after the match’s last ball.

Bangladesh:

Initial Overs - 46/3 [RR: 7.67, 4s/6s: 4/1]

After the rain stopped, Bangladesh's players started again. Litton Das hit the ball well in the first over from Naveen Ul Haq. But then Fazalhaq Farooqi made the ball move and got Tanzid Hasan out in the second over. Naveen then got two wickets in a row: Najmul Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan. Najmul got out trying to hit a big shot, and Shakib's shot went straight back to Naveen. The rain came again, so they stopped playing for a while. When they came back, Litton and Soumya Sarkar tried to keep scoring, but Mohammad Nabi bowled very well, allowing only three singles in his over.

Middle Overs - 48/5 [RR: 5.34, 4s/6s: 6/0]

Rashid Khan bowled brilliantly, knocking over Sarkar’s stumps early to start Bangladesh’s collapse. Despite a dropped catch and some tense moments, Rashid kept taking wickets. He got Hridoy caught out, then removed Mahmudullah with a successful review. Rashid's fourth wicket came when Hossain missed a shot. After a rain delay, Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib took another key wicket, leaving Afghanistan close to a semifinal place.

Death Overs - 105 in 17.5 overs

Litton Stayed calm while Bangladesh’s team struggled, reaching eight players out. He scored 50 runs with a special shot, even as Afghanistan tried to take the last two wickets. Taskin Ahmed helped Litton, reducing the needed runs to 9 from 9 balls. Rain briefly stopped the game, making it harder for Bangladesh to win according to the rules. They continued playing, but Mustafizur Rahman couldn't protect Litton in the final over, and Bangladesh lost.

Summary of Scores: 

Afghanistan scored 115 runs with five players out in 20 turns. They defeated Bangladesh, who managed 105 runs in 17.5 turns, with Litton Das scoring 54 runs without getting out. Afghanistan won by 8 runs according to the DLS method.