T20 World Cup, 2024: Afghanistan make history, defeating Bangladesh to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Riding on an all-round performance from captain Rashid Khan, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs in the final Super Eight match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This victory not only secured Afghanistan a place in the semifinals but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. This marks the first time in history that Afghanistan has reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup.

Earlier in the match, Rashid Khan's quickfire 19 off 10 balls, including three sixes, helped Afghanistan post a total of 115 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan had a slow and cautious start. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were unable to replicate their previous performance against Australia during the powerplay. Nevertheless, Gurbaz emerged as the team's top scorer with a 55-ball 43.

For Bangladesh, Rishad Hosein (3/26), Taskin Ahmed (1/12), and Mustafizur Rahman (1/26) shared the wickets.

Chasing a target of 116, and despite multiple rain interruptions, Bangladesh were all out for 105 runs in 17.5 overs. Rashid Khan was pivotal again with his exceptional bowling figures of 4 for 26, claiming the wickets of Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, and Rishad Hossain, effectively dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order. He was well supported by pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who also took four wickets, including the last two.

For Bangladesh, opener Litton Das remained unbeaten on 54.

Afghanistan will face South Africa in the first semifinal, while India will compete against England in the second semifinal.