ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – Match Report
Afghanistan emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Bangladesh, winning by 8 runs in a rain-affected match. This victory not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also knocked Australia out of the tournament.
Match Summary:
- Afghanistan: 115/5 (20 overs)
- Bangladesh: 105 (17.5 overs)
- Afghanistan won by 8 runs (Match reduced to 19 overs due to rain, DLS Target 114)
- Player of the Match: Naveen-ul-Haq
Key Highlights:
Afghanistan’s Innings:
Afghanistan posted a total of 115/5 in their 20 overs. The pitch and weather conditions made batting challenging, and Afghanistan’s batsmen struggled to score freely. However, they managed to put up a competitive total thanks to contributions from the middle order.
Bangladesh’s Chase:
Chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs, Bangladesh started aggressively with Litton Das leading the charge. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Naveen-ul-Haq, kept striking at crucial moments to peg back the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s Impact:
Naveen-ul-Haq was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 26 runs. His ability to take wickets at crucial junctures made the difference, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Rashid Khan’s Leadership:
Rashid Khan led from the front with his leg-spin, taking critical wickets and maintaining pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. His captaincy and performance were instrumental in Afghanistan’s defense of their modest total.
Bangladesh’s Collapse:
Despite Litton Das carrying his bat through the innings, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order collapsed under pressure. They struggled to keep up with the required run rate and succumbed to the tight bowling from Afghanistan.
Captain’s Remarks:
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan Captain):
“It’s something like a dream for us as a team being in the semifinal. The belief came while we beat NZ. I don’t have any words to describe the feeling. We were 15-20 runs short, but it was all about mindset. We knew they would come hard at us to chase that in 12 overs, and that’s where we could take advantage. Everyone did a wonderful job. In T20s, we have a strong base, especially in bowling. It’s a massive celebration back home.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh Captain):
“I think we bowled really well, we did lots of good things but as a batting unit, we made poor decisions, especially in the middle overs, and that’s what cost us today. The batting needs to improve, our top-order didn’t perform well. We didn’t execute well with the bat and made a lot of wrong decisions.”
Naveen-ul-Haq (Player of the Match):
“Thank you so much, I want to thank mighty Allah for this achievement. We always knew that they would go hard in the powerplay to chase the total down in 12.1 overs, so we knew we were in the game. The plan was simple – to mix it up, and we got crucial wickets in the powerplay. These are the games you never know what can happen. We have worked hard for this and we are in the semis, we are very happy.”
Statistical Highlights:
- Two Bowlers with 4-Wicket Hauls in a T20 WC Innings:
- Umar Gul (4/25) & Shahid Afridi (4/19) vs SCO, Durban, 2007
- Mujeeb Rahman (5/20) & Rashid Khan (4/9) vs SCO, Sharjah, 2021
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/17) & Rashid Khan (4/17) vs NZ, Providence, 2024
- Rashid Khan (4/23) & Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26) vs BAN, Kingstown, 2024
Most 4-Wicket Hauls in Men’s T20Is:
- 9 – Rashid Khan (AFG)
- 8 – Shakib Al Hasan (BAN)
- 7 – Henry Ssenyondo (UGA)
Conclusion:
Afghanistan’s thrilling win over Bangladesh showcased their resilience and tactical acumen. Their bowlers rose to the occasion, defending a modest total and securing a historic semi-final berth. The victory has sparked celebrations back home and sets up a promising semi-final encounter for Afghanistan.
Stay tuned for more exciting matches in the T20 World Cup 2024! For the latest updates and insights, keep Vegas11 as your ultimate source. With comprehensive coverage, real-time updates, and exclusive insights, Vegas11 keeps you at the forefront of the action. Until next time, take care and farewell!
