Afghanistan created history at Arnos Vale Ground, St Vincent late night as they edged past Afghanistan in the must-win Super 8 clash to qualify for T20 World Cup semifinals for the first time. Most of the Caribbean crowd in St Vincent rooted for Afghanistan and so did the Indian team. The Rohit Sharma-led India travelled from St Lucia to Guyana while the match was going on. They had their eyes glued to the last Super 8 encounter and cheered for Afghanistan.
From Suryakumar Yadav to Ravindra Jadeja, Indian players watched the match on the flight. Like Afghanistan, they were not convinced with the below par total posted by India. As the game progressed, Jadeja provided live commentary and had suggestions on what Afghan bowlers can do in the situation. As Afghanistan managed to make a comeback with a few quick wickets, Jadeja said, “Ab Rashid miyan nahi chodenge (Now Rashid won’t let them win)”.
That’s exactly what happened as Rashid Khan bagged a four-wicket haul to break the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. He was spot-on with his bowling changes as well and Gulbadin Naib dismissed Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Later, Naveen-ul-Haq wrapped up the proceedings in the 18th over as he struck twice to register a historic win for Afghanistan.
Indian players were happy with Afghanistan win. Also, people in Guyana airport celebrated Afghanistan’s win as they entered the last four knocking Mitchell Marsh-led Australia out of the tournament.
Earlier in the day, India beat Australia by 21 runs at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia to put their semifinal qualification chances in jeopardy. They needed Bangladesh to beat Afghanistan but not by a big margin to make their place in the last four.
T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal schedule
Afghanistan will play their first-ever semifinal in a major ICC event. They will go up against Aiden Markram-led South Africa at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad on June 26. In the second semifinal, India will lock horns with defending champions England at Providence Stadium, Guyana.
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