Indians rejoice after Afghanistan secures historic win against Bangladesh to mark their first entry in T20I semi-finals.
The 2024 T20 World Cup continues to surprise fans. In a stunning turn of events, Australia, the 2021 champions, have been eliminated following Afghanistan’s historic win against Bangladesh in the final Super Eight fixture in Kingstown on Tuesday. Despite finishing their innings at 115/5, few expected Afghanistan to triumph. However, with spirited bowling, they pulled off an incredible eight-run DLS win, sending Australia packing.
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Bangladesh’s wickets tumbled at regular intervals, yet Litton Das kept their hopes alive with a 41-ball fifty. Rain interrupted the match four times, eventually bringing the DLS method into play. Bangladesh needed 114 runs in 19 overs and seemed on track with Litton anchoring the chase.
Then came the moment every Afghanistan fan had been waiting for. With just nine runs needed off nine balls, Naveen-Ul-Haq delivered an unforgettable over. He had Taskin Ahmed play onto his stumps and then trapped Mustafizur Rahman LBW for a first-ball duck, securing Afghanistan’s first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal spot and knocking Australia out of the tournament.
Indian cricket fans found themselves beaming with pride for the Afghan team, which has long struggled for global recognition. Memes and emotional messages poured in for Rashid Khan and his teammates as Indians celebrated their remarkable achievement.
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Moreover, Afghanistan’s win allowed India to breathe a sigh of relief. Australia has often been a formidable obstacle for India in World Cup knockouts, from the 2003 ODI World Cup final to the 2023 World Cup final. Although India has triumphed over Australia in key matches, such as the 2007 T20 World Cup semifinals and the 2016 World T20 quarter-finals, the sting of the recent November 19 loss has lingered. Knowing Australia is no longer in the tournament brought some solace.
Australia’s troubles began with a shocking defeat to Afghanistan two days earlier and were compounded by a defeat to India. Led by Rohit Sharma’s explosive 92-run performance, India beat Australia by 24 runs, easing some of their past pain. Travis Head, a thorn in India’s side in recent ICC finals, looked dangerous with 76 off 43 balls. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s magic saw him take the crucial wicket, ensuring India’s victory and advancing their World Cup hopes.
