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Afghanistan on Tuesday defeated Bangladesh by 8 runs in the Super 8 round of the ongoing T20 World Cup and for the first time qualified for the semi-finals of the global cricket event.
Australia are sent packing from the tournament, as they needed a Bangladesh win to qualify. This will be Afghanistan’s first appearance at the semi-finals of a major ICC event.
Despite Litton Das carrying the bat to the end with a battling half-century, Rashid Khan’s four-wicket haul inspired Afghanistan to victory, defending a low total. Earlier, Rashid had also hit a 10-ball 19-run cameo with the bat, which took Afghanistan to a total of 115.
Chasing a target of 116 runs, which was later reduced to 114 in 19 overs due to rain, Bangladesh were bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs.
Opener Litton Das remained unbeaten on 54 runs in 49 balls but ran out of partners at the other end as Afghanistan registered an historic win.
The Rashid Khan-led unit have qualified for the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time in history.
Rashid and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq led the way with the ball as both claimed four wickets each.
The match was interrupted multiple times due to rain in the second innings leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first against Bangladesh in a must-win match in the Super 8 round.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 115-5 in 20 overs after a clinical bowling display by Bangladesh.
Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-26 in four overs. He took crucial wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib.
Gurbaz was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 43 runs in 55 balls with the help of three fours and a six.
Rashid Khan played a brisk unbeaten cameo of 19 runs in 10 balls, which was powered by three sixes.
Three teams, India, England, and South Africa, had already qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing event and the fourth one was decided after the match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
South Africa will face Afghanistan, while England will lock horns with India in the semi-finals. Both matches will be played on June 27.
