The Afghanistan men’s cricket team has found a big reason to celebrate as they have entered the Semifinals for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 tournament. Afghanistan played a match against Bangladesh earlier today as their last fixture of the Super 8 stage, and defeated the men in green, taking all their wickets. Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Rashid Khan credits Brian Lara for Afghanistan’s entry into the semifinals.
The match was being played at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent, as West Indies is the co-host for the tournament. Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 115/5 in the first innings of the match. Despite a low score, the Afghanistan team did not lose hope, restricting Bangladesh to a total score of 105 with all their wickets gone. Afghanistan is now entering the semifinals alongside India, England and South Africa.
Rashid Khan credits Lara’s prediction for semifinals entry
It was surprising for many when the legendary cricketer Brian Lara had predicted Afghanistan to be in the semifinals. However the team’s captain Rashid Khan has come out and said that it was only because of Lara that they won.
“The only guy who put us in the semifinal was Brian Lara and we proved that right. Before the competition at the welcome party, I told him, ‘We won’t let you down. We’ll make it through and prove you’re right.’ I am proud of this team.” Rashid said.
Addressing the audience in the post match ceremony, Rashid Khan relayed the team’s feelings, praised Gulbadin for taking an important wicket, and explained how the game played out today from Afghanistan’s perspective.
“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 New Zealand. It’s unbelievable, I don’t have any words to describe my feelings. Back home, everyone is so happy for this big achievement.” Said the Afghanistan Captain
“We thought 130-135 was a good total on this wicket. We were 15-20 runs short. It was all about the mindset. We knew they would come hard at us to chase that in 12 overs to get into the semifinal. That’s where we could take advantage. If we bowled into the stumps, we had a better chance to getting them out. We didn’t have to do anything extra. We just had to be clear with our plans. We put in the effort, that’s in our hands. Rain, result is not in our hands. That 100% effort is always in our hands. Everyone did a wonderful job.” He added.
“In T20s we have a strong base” says Rashid
In his post match statement, Rashid Khan expressed his joy and appreciation for his team as he believes their bowling is the strong suit they have. He also explained how the team remained focused despite the inappropriate weather conditions.
“In T20s, if you have skills, you are more effective. They have given great starts in this World Cup competition so far and it becomes easy for us (spinners) in the middle where we can go hard at the batsmen. So happy the way they have delivered. They were very clear with their mind, that’s very pleasing. Rain was on and off, but mentally we were always there.” Rashid said.
He also emphasised how the team needed to take 10 wickets and play 20 overs in order to get to the semifinals, which they did.
“We had to play 20 overs and we had to take 10 wickets, that’s the only way to get to the semifinal, there’s no other way. Gulbadin had some cramps I think, hopefully he’ll be alright. That wicket he took was massive for us.” He said.
Adding on to all of that, Rashid ended his statement by admitting how big of a deal the win is for his team, and that the people back home in Afghanistan must be celebrating with joy.
“It’s a massive celebration back home now. It’s a big achievement for us. We have done that in the Under-19 level, being in the semifinal. But in this World Cup … I don’t have any words how to describe the feeling. The country will be very proud. I am so happy the way we have delivered as a team. We took the responsibility. 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.” He concluded.
Afghanistan will now be playing in the semifinals against South Africa while India will face England. Australia is now wiped off the tournament after losing matches against Afghanistan and India.
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