Cricket Highlights, June 24: T20 WC 2024 (Match 52) – Afghanistan vs Bangladesh

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh (Match 52) – Highlights

In this article, we will delve into a gripping encounter at Kingstown that defined Afghanistan’s remarkable journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Facing Bangladesh in a rain-interrupted thriller, Afghanistan’s strategic brilliance and resilient performance secured their maiden spot in a men’s World Cup semifinal. 

Led by standout performances from Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s thrilling victory not only edged out Bangladesh but also dashed Australia’s hopes, adding layers of drama to an already intense Super Eight stage.

Afghanistan’s strategy of cautious starts paid off, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran avoiding risks early, ending the powerplay at 27 for 0 and reaching 58 for 0 at the ten-over mark. Despite the slow surface and impending dew, they attempted just 15 attacking shots in the first ten overs, setting a solid foundation for their innings.

Afghanistan’s early advantage slipped as they fell from 59 for 0 to 89 for 4. Rashid, coming in at 93 for 5 with 14 balls left, played aggressively, scoring 19 not out, including three sixes in the final over, helping Afghanistan to a defendable total of 116 just as rain began in Kingstown.

Gurbaz counterattacked Rishad, breaking a phase of 38 dot balls with boundaries, but Rishad had the last laugh, dismissing Gurbaz and then Gulbadin Naib thanks to Soumya Sarkar’s brilliant catch.

Afghanistan did not lose any wickets during their innings, which featured 66 dot balls, the third-most by a side with five or less wickets lost in men’s T20Is records. They kept up their track of winning total defenses in St. Vincent.

Bangladesh had to chase 116 in 12.1 overs to overtake Australia and Afghanistan for a semifinal spot. A 20-minute downpour delayed their chase by half an hour, disadvantaging them further in the shortened game.

Naveen’s first over proved costly with Litton hitting a four and a six, but he quickly rebounded, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto and then Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession, reducing Bangladesh to 23 for 3. Rishad’s introduction in the ninth over, with favorable wind conditions, immediately troubled Ibrahim Zadran, eventually leading to his dismissal.

Following the second rain break, Bangladesh sent mixed signals with Litton attacking Naveen while Soumya Sarkar fell trying to do the same against Rashid. Despite Towhid Hridoy’s aggressive play, including a dropped catch, he too succumbed to Rashid. 

Litton’s successive fours off Rashid briefly kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive, but Mahmudullah’s indecisiveness and Rishad Hossain’s risky approach left them at 80 for 7 after 11 overs. As the rain clouds hovered, the DLS par scores continually influenced the tense match.

Amid rising pressure, Litton Das remained calm, striving to end Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign on a high. Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, trapping Tanzid Hasan lbw with his third ball to tie Wanindu Hasaranga for the most wickets in a men’s T20 World Cup. 

The rain-interrupted match saw Afghanistan, powered by four-wicket hauls from Naveen and Rashid, edge out Bangladesh by just eight runs, thus eliminating Australia from the T20 World Cup 2024. Both teams, along with Australia, were vying for the final semifinal spot from Group 1 of the Super Eight. 

The final hour became a game of cat and mouse as a result of the rain, heightening the tension. Afghanistan’s timely wickets restored their advantage, while Bangladesh would sometimes edge ahead on the DLS par score. Litton Das tried his hardest, but his 36 was insufficient to keep Bangladesh in the match. Rashid and his teammates let out two teams with a single, convincing victory.

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Scoreboard

Afghanistan – 115/5 (20.0)

Bangladesh– 105 (17.5)

Result – Afghanistan won by 8 runs

Player of the match – Naveen-ul-Haq

Naveen-ul-Haq

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Playing XIs  

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