Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz who copped a blow to his knee and was taken off the ground during Bangladesh’s innings cried happy tears in the dressing room as his side made it to their first T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. Afghanistan players celebrated the thrilling win in the ground after Naveen-ul-Haq got the wicket Mustafizur Rahman to wrap up the proceedings at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. Gurbaz who struggled to walk was supported by his teammates. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was ver animated after the historic win and lifted Gurbaz on his shoulders joining the team in their victory lap.
Earlier, Gurbaz struggled to score quickly. He scored 43 runs from 55 balls including three fours and a six before losing his wicket to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in the 17th over of the innings.
The wicketkeeper got injured in the first over of Bangladesh’s innings. Naveen's good length ball outside off kept a bit low. Gurbaz could not collect it and was struck on the knee. He was tended to by the physio on the field as the magic spray did not work on him. As a result, Gurbaz was taken off the field.
Ishaq replaces Gurbaz
Reserve wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq donned the gloves for the rest of Afghanistan's innings. He took the crucial catch of Mahmudullah as well. It was a faint edge and Rashid decided to go for the review.
Gurbaz batted with a strike rate of 78.18. This is the second-lowest strike rate in a T20 World Cup innings for a batter who has faced 50 balls or more.
Feats achieved by Gurbaz and Zadran
Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran shared a 59-run opening stand. This was their ninth fift-plus stand, the joint-most by a fair for Afghanistan in T20Is. The Afghan openers broke the record for most runs by a pair in a T20 World Cup edition. The previous record was held by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. In T20 World Cup 2021, Babar and Rizwan put on 411 runs together.
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