by: TN Media News Pakistan:
In a historic moment for Afghan cricket, Afghanistan secured their first-ever spot in the semi-finals of a major international tournament by defeating Bangladesh in a gripping quarter-final match. The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka witnessed an intense battle as Afghanistan emerged victorious, etching their name in the annals of cricketing history.
Winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first, setting the stage for a challenging encounter. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a steady start, putting up a solid partnership. Gurbaz played a vital knock, scoring 55 runs off 49 balls, while Zadran anchored the innings with a composed 45. However, Bangladesh bowlers, led by Shakib Al Hasan, managed to apply pressure with regular breakthroughs.
Najibullah Zadran’s resilient 63 off 72 balls was the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s innings. His crucial partnerships with the lower order pushed Afghanistan to a competitive total of 267 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Shakib Al Hasan was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 3 wickets for 47 runs, while Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with 2 for 52.
Chasing 268 for victory, Bangladesh faced an early setback as Afghan pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq struck early blows. Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal, the mainstays of the Bangladeshi batting lineup, were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 38 for 3. A valiant effort by Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored a gritty 82, and Mahmudullah, who contributed 54, revived Bangladesh’s hopes.
However, Afghanistan’s spin duo, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, turned the tide in their favor. Rashid Khan’s magical spell of 4 for 36 dismantled the Bangladeshi middle order, while Mujeeb’s economical bowling added to the mounting pressure. Bangladesh’s lower order crumbled under the relentless attack, and they were eventually bowled out for 243 in 48.4 overs, falling 24 runs short of the target.
The historic victory was met with jubilation as Afghan players celebrated their momentous achievement. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed his elation, stating, “This is a dream come true for us. Our team has shown tremendous character and resilience. Reaching the semi-finals is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every player and the support staff.”
Rashid Khan, awarded the Man of the Match for his match-winning performance, said, “It’s an incredible feeling to contribute to this historic win. We knew we had to give our best, and everyone played their part. This victory is for all the Afghan fans who have supported us throughout.”
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan acknowledged the spirited performance of the Afghan team, saying, “Afghanistan played exceptionally well and deserved this win. We tried our best, but they were the better team today. We need to regroup and come back stronger.”
Afghanistan’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals has not only brought immense pride to their nation but also added a new dimension to international cricket. As they prepare for the semi-final clash, the cricketing world watches in anticipation, eager to see how far this spirited team can go.
