• Afghanistan qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating Bangladesh in a thriller.

  • The game was marred by a controversial incident involving Gulbadin Naib.

‘Oscar level acting’: Fans react with amusement at Gulbadin Naib’s fall after Jonathan Trott tells him to slow down the AFG vs BAN game | T20 World Cup 2024
Gulbadin Naib (Image Source: Twitter)

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Afghanistan have qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024 in a thrilling and contentious match against Bangladesh. The Afghan team secured an eight-run victory, bowling out Bangladesh for 105 in 17.5 overs.  With that Australia have also faced an elimination as they hope to reached the top 4 shattered with the fall of Bangladesh’s last wicket. However, the game was marred by a controversial incident involving Gulbadin Naib, sparking allegations of gamesmanship.

The dramatic clash between Afghanistan and Bangladesh

The high-stakes match at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, was pivotal for both Afghanistan and Australia. Australia’s slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals hinged on Afghanistan losing its showdown against Bangladesh. Afghanistan needed a win to progress to the semi-finals at Australia’s expense. Bangladesh, on the other hand, was looking to finish their campaign on a high note. The game saw several momentum swings, ultimately culminating in a narrow victory for Afghanistan.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Fans and experts go berserk as Afghanistan reach the semifinals, eliminate Bangladesh and Australia

Gulbadin Naib’s controversial act

The controversy erupted in the 12th over of Bangladesh’s chase. With Afghanistan having just taken Bangladesh’s sixth and seventh wickets in the 11th over, leaving them at 80/7, and Bangladesh slightly behind the DLS par score, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott was seen signaling his players to slow down the game as rain began to threaten.

Fielding at first slip, Gulbadin suddenly went down clutching his leg, claiming a cramp. This happened between the third and fourth deliveries of Noor Ahmad‘s over. Naib was helped off the field by teammates Naveen-ul-Haq and a support staff member just as drizzle started, prompting the umpires to cover the pitch. This delay reduced Bangladesh’s target by one run, adjusting it to 114 under the DLS method.

Afghanistan got their wish with the rain intensifying, and the delay from Gulbadin ensuring another ball wouldn’t come. If no play could continue, it would’ve confirmed Afghanistan’s progress over Australia then and there. Nevertheless, the injury and rain interruption did not last long, and when play resumed minutes later, Afghanistan continued to press their advantage, ultimately winning by eight runs.

Naib’s return and key wicket

Despite the apparent injury, Naib returned to the field in the 13th over and bowled the 15th over, taking the crucial wicket of Tanzim Hasan Sakib. The interruption due to rain and Naib’s injury did not have a significant impact on the result, but it did raise questions about sportsmanship. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan did not look pleased during the incident, indicating internal discontent with the controversial tactic.

Outcome and reactions

Afghanistan’s victory not only propelled them to the semi-finals but also knocked Australia out of the tournament. The incident with Naib drew criticism and calls for scrutiny, as time-wasting is a punishable offense in cricket. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s visible displeasure during the incident suggested the tactic might not have been a unified team decision. Despite the controversy, Afghanistan’s resilience and tactical play have kept their World Cup hopes alive, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final round.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Delhi Police’s witty post after India’s victory over Australia hits the internet

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