On Monday (June 24, local time), Afghanistan edged past Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) in a low-scoring thriller, in the last Super 8 clash, to qualify for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinals. With the victory, Afghanistan joined India from Group 1 to enter the semis whereas South Africa and England qualified for the knockouts from Group 2. Afghanistan’s entry in the final four also led to Mitchell Marsh-led Australia’s shocking exit from the 20-nation event being held in West Indies and the USA. Australia ended their run with two successive losses, versus Afghanistan and India respectively.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After 52 gruelling encounters, the semifinalists of the ongoing edition has been decided. Here is the semifinals schedule:
1. Afghanistan vs South Africa, SF 1 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday (June 27, 6 AM IST)
2. India vs England, SF 2 at Province Stadium, Guyana on Thursday (June 27, 8 PM IST)
The mega final will take place on Saturday (June 29) at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.Â
Talking about the Afghans’ entry into the last four, they had to beat Bangladesh in the last Super 8 clash, which took place at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. In a rain-hit encounter, Rashid Khan & Co. opted to bat first and rode on opener Rahmatullah Gurbaz’s 43 to post a paltry 115 for 5 (with Rishad Hossain taking 3 for 26). In reply, the Bangla Tigers’ run-chase was marred with constant rain breaks as the target was revised to 114 in 19 overs. Eventually, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq’s 4-fers each dismantled Bangladesh as they crumbled for 105 in 17.5 overs.
Australia were dependent on Bangladesh’s win to go ahead, after a 21-run loss against India, however, Mitchell Marsh & Co. are now set to travel back home.Â
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