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In a historic turn of events, Afghanistan‘s cricket team has achieved a significant milestone by reaching the semifinals of the T20 World Cup for the first time. Their journey to this stage was highlighted by a thrilling and rain-affected victory over Bangladesh, which not only secured their place in the final four but also knocked out the defending champions, Australia, from the tournament.
This victory not only propelled Afghanistan into the semifinals but also sparked celebrations across the cricketing world, particularly within the Afghan cricketing community. The win had additional significance as it ended Australia’s campaign, a team that had high hopes and expectations coming into the tournament.
Najibullah Zadran’s playful jab at Pat Cummins
Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran couldn’t resist a lighthearted dig at Australian captain Pat Cummins after Australia failed to reach the semifinals. Cummins, Australia’s key figure in their ODI World Cup 2023 and World Test Championship (WTC) victories in 2023, made a bold prediction before the tournament began. When asked to predict the semifinalists, Cummins confidently declared, “Without a doubt, Australia will be there. After that, you can pick any three teams you like,”
Remember when Pat Cummins actually said: Definitely Australia, the other 3 you can choose. I don't care, you can pick any of them. 🤣pic.twitter.com/gejdkvscOG
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) June 25, 2024
Zadran, after the historic win, cheekily shared Cummins’ quote on his social account on X, celebrating Afghanistan’s historic achievement while poking fun at Cummins’ pre-tournament confidence.
“Q :How is the top 4 semi finalist? A : definitely Australia other 3 you choose @ACBofficials @patcummins30 @CricketAus,” the post reads.
Q :How is the top 4 semi finalist?
A : definitely Australia other 3 you choose
✈️✈️✈️ 🤫🤐 @ACBofficials @patcummins30 @CricketAus— Najib Zadran (@iamnajibzadran) June 25, 2024
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals: Teams, Match Date, Timings & Reserve days
Afghanistan’s historic semifinal entry
The match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh was marked by dramatic twists and turns. Afghanistan, after opting to bat first, managed to score 115/8 in their allotted overs, with notable contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan. Due to rain interruptions, Bangladesh’s target was revised to 114 runs from 19 overs. Despite Litton Das‘ resilient unbeaten 54, Bangladesh fell short and could only muster 105 runs, largely due to exceptional bowling performances from Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq, both of whom claimed four wickets each.
Semifinal clash with South Africa
Looking ahead, Afghanistan will face South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27 in Trinidad, continuing their remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia, after failing to progress to the knockout stages for the second consecutive T20 World Cup, will undoubtedly reflect on their performance and strategize for future tournaments.
