Cricket fans were on the edge of their seats as Afghanistan pulled off a stunning victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller at Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Stadium. This match, which saw Afghanistan qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024, also knocked Australia out of the tournament.

Afghanistan’s Innings

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adopted a cautious approach on a challenging pitch. The duo managed just 27 runs in the first six overs, a testament to the disciplined bowling by Bangladesh. However, they picked up the pace, bringing up the team’s fifty in the ninth over.

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Bangladesh’s bowling performance

Bangladesh’s bowlers were relentless, with Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed leading the charge. Rishad Hossain was particularly impressive, finishing with figures of 3-26. His strategic variations kept the Afghan batters on their toes, preventing them from settling into any rhythm.

Middle overs and collapse

Gurbaz’s innings, which eventually ended at 43 runs off 55 balls, was one of the slowest in T20 World Cup history. He shared a 25-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai before the Bangladesh bowlers struck back. Mustafizur and Taskin each took a wicket, while Rishad Hossain’s crucial strikes brought Afghanistan down from 84-1 in 15.5 overs to 93-5.

Rashid Khan’s Late cameo

Amidst the dwindling run-rate, captain Rashid Khan played a vital cameo, clubbing three sixes in his 10-ball unbeaten innings. His aggressive batting in the death overs, including two maximums off the final over against Tanzim Hasan Sakib, helped Afghanistan reach a respectable total of 115-5.

Bangladesh’s Run-Chase

Bangladesh’s chase began disastrously, with early wickets falling quickly. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq were on fire, taking three wickets between them in the first six overs. Farooqi trapped Tanzid Hasan for a duck, while Naveen removed both Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan in successive deliveries, reducing Bangladesh to 23-3.

Afghanistan’s bowling dominance

Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained the pressure throughout Bangladesh’s innings. Rashid Khan’s introduction into the attack proved decisive, as he scalped four wickets for just 23 runs. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments kept Bangladesh on the back foot.

Rashid Khan’s bowling masterclass

Rashid Khan’s performance was a masterclass in spin bowling. His control and variation left the Bangladeshi batsmen struggling to score. Despite Litton Das’s valiant effort, scoring 54 not out, Rashid’s wickets at regular intervals ensured Afghanistan stayed ahead.

Rain Interruptions and DLS Method

Rain interruptions led to the application of the DLS method, which revised Bangladesh’s target to 116 runs. The DLS method is used in rain-affected matches to calculate a fair target based on the number of overs each team has faced, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense match.

Naveen-ul-Haq’s Heroics

Naveen-ul-Haq’s final over heroics sealed the deal for Afghanistan. His ability to bowl under pressure and claim vital wickets, including the last wicket that dashed Bangladesh’s hopes, earned him the Player of the Match award. His spell of 4-26 was instrumental in Afghanistan’s defense of their modest total.