Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was on cloud nine after they qualified for the semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The Rashid Khan-led defeated Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS method) at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent on Monday to secure their last four berth.
Afghanistan posted 115-5 in their 20 overs but came up with a collective bowling show. Naveen-ul-Haq provided two breakthroughs in the Powerplay overs as Bangladesh found themselves under the cosh at 23-3.
After the Powerplay overs, Rashid Khan dismissed Soumya Sarkar with a slider. Furthermore, the leg-spinner got the big wickets of Mahmudullah and Rishad Hossain on consecutive deliveries to put his team in front.
Earlier, Afghanistan had stunned Australia by 21 runs in their previous match and brought their best with the ball against the Tigers. Meanwhile, legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara had earlier predicted that Afghanistan will make it to the semifinal.
Rashid Khan said in the post-match presentation, “The only guy who put us in the semifinal was Brian Lara and we proved it right. I told him we won’t let you down.”
“It’s something like a dream for us as a team being in the semifinal. It’s all about the way we have started the tournament. The belief came while we beat NZ. I don’t have any words to describe the feeling,” he added.
Rashid admitted they were 15-20 runs short of a par score but they were able to deliver with the ball.
“We thought 130-135 was a good total on this wicket. We were 15-20 runs short. It was all about mindset. We knew they would come hard at us to chase that in 12 overs. That’s where we could take advantage, We just had to be clear with our plans,” he said.
The Afghanistan captain showered praise on his bowlers for getting the job done. Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq bagged four wickets apiece to keep Bangladesh at bay.
“We put in the effort, that’s in our hands. Everyone did a wonderful job. In T20s, we have a strong base, especially in bowling. The quality of fast bowling we have, they are skillful,” Rashid stated.
“We had to take 10 wickets, that’s the only way to get to the semifinal, there’s no other way. The country will be very proud back home. Being in the semis is big now, we have to go with a clear mind. We’ll have to keep things simple and make sure we enjoy the big occasion.”
Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Wednesday.
