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In a dramatic Super 8 game, Afghanistan needed a win desperately to qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. After trailing behind in the middle overs, Afghanistan bowlers caused a batting collapse. In the 12th over, Afghanistan were two runs ahead of Bangladesh as per DLS score when rain came back at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott was animated as he signalled the players to slow it down and avoid risk of Bangladesh getting ahead. Gulbadin Naib paid heed to the coach’s call and laid on the ground holding his left hamstring at first slip.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was unaware of what was happening and inquired why Naib was on the ground all of a sudden. The physio rushed to the ground and play was suspended as covers came on as well.
Naib was taken off the ground by Naveen-ul-Haq and the physio. Meanwhile, Afghanistan players tried to hide their smile. Bangladesh opener Litton Das who was on the non-striker end did not hold back and imitated how Naib faked the injury.
Bangladesh were 81/7 after 11.4 overs when the play stopped. The DLS par score at the time was 83.
The commentators were not happy as they called out Naib. They also laughed as the replays showed how he went down immediately.
Naib comes back to bowl
Interestingly, Naib bowled after the passing shower and got the wicket of Tanzim Hasan Sakib. It turned out to be a crucial over as Sakib was looking to block and take singles to get Das on strike. Das got to his half-century but it went in vain as Naveen struck twice in the 18th over to guide Afghanistan to T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals for the first time. They beat Bangladesh by eight runs as per DLS method.
Afghanistan will now face an unbeaten South Africa led by Aiden Markram in the first semifinal at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad on June 26.
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