Afghanistan Rejoices After Historic Victory

Afghanistan Rejoices After Historic Victory

A big celebration was seen in Khost, the hometown of athletes Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Khan. Most viewers tuned in to the game on Ariana TV, a well-known station in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan made it to the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals in the Caribbean, causing the whole country to celebrate. After the match on Tuesday morning, people were partying in the streets all over the country, including in the capital, Kabul. Hikmat Hasan, who used to work for the Afghanistan Cricket Board but had to leave when the Taliban took over, said, "It's amazing. It feels like a dream. We haven't seen so many people celebrating in the streets in three years." 

The birthplace of team leader Rashid Khan, Nangarhar, various people gathered to ceremonialize. In Jalalabad, the principal city of Nangarhar, large screens were erected for spectators to enjoy the match and participate in the festivities. This type of celebration was also seen in Khost, the hometown of athletes Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Khan. The majority of viewers tuned in to the game on Ariana TV, a well-known station in Afghanistan.

The match itself was very exciting, ending in a close finish with lots of cheers at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent. Rashid Khan led the team to victory and said, "This win brings a lot of hope to people back home. Cricket makes us happy."

In an interview in Pashto, Rashid Khan said that except for Brian Lara, no one thought they could do well in the World Cup."It's an incredible sensation. Brian Lara had faith in us, and we validated his belief," Rashid stated.

Hikmat Hasan saw people celebrating in their homes and buying cakes with cricket-themed decorations. Celebrations also took place in offices, guest houses, and farmhouses. "It feels unreal," Hasan said. "The emotions are indescribable."

Rashid Khan was also tongue-tied after the win. "It's unbelievable. "All the folks back at the nest are thrilled," Rashid mentioned, adding that he made a crucial contribution by scoring 19 runs and securing four wickets. Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs, securing their spot in the semifinals.

Many former players and fans congratulated the team on social media. Former captain Asghar Afghan said, "We have reached the Semi-Finals of the World Cup! Congratulations to our champs, great nation, and all our fans around the world." Sachin Tendulkar also praised Afghanistan, saying, "Afghanistan, your road to the semi-finals has been incredible. Keep it up!"

Even though the Afghanistan government does not allow women to play cricket, an exiled woman cricketer, Firooza Afghan, also congratulated the team. "Congratulations to all Afghans. You made history," she said. "But it's sad that women can't play because of the rules."

Afghanistan will play against South Africa in the first semifinal in Trinidad on June 26.