In a heart-stopping, rain-affected encounter under the lights of the Arnos Vale Ground, Afghanistan etched their name deeper into T20 World Cup folklore with a nail-biting 8-run victory over Bangladesh. The win, secured via the DLS method after a tense final over in a revised chase, sends shockwaves through the tournament and keeps their historic semi-final dreams burning brightly.
Afghanistan's Gritty Batting Sets a Competitive Target
Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan's innings was a tale of resilience rather than flamboyance. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a characteristically solid foundation, navigating the tricky conditions with care. The Bangladeshi bowlers, particularly Rishad Hossain, applied consistent pressure, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals to prevent Afghanistan from building a commanding total.
A late flurry from the middle order, however, ensured they posted a competitive, defendable total of 115 for 5 from their 20 overs. On a pitch offering assistance to the bowlers, it was a total that promised a close contest.
Rain Intervenes, Setting Up a Dramatic DLS Finish
As Bangladesh began their reply, the ever-present Caribbean rain made its appearance, causing a significant delay. The interruption led to a revised target: Bangladesh were set 114 runs to win from 19 overs, a slight adjustment that only heightened the tension.
Rashid and Naveen: The Afghan Bowling Heroes
What followed was a masterclass in death bowling and nerve. With Bangladesh needing 104 from their revised overs, the Afghan spin maestro, Rashid Khan, was at his mesmerising best. Applying a stranglehold in the middle overs, he claimed four vital wickets, completely derailing the Bangladeshi momentum.
Just as Litton Das threatened to steal the game with a defiant, unbeaten half-century, the pace of Naveen-ul-Haq proved decisive. In a breathtaking penultimate over, Naveen took two wickets in two balls, effectively sealing the fate of the match. His final over heroics ensured Bangladesh fell agonisingly short of the required DLS par score, sparking wild celebrations from the Afghan team and their supporters.
This monumental victory propels Afghanistan into serious contention for a semi-final spot from the Super 8s group. For Bangladesh, the loss is a devastating blow that all but ends their campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
