Afghanistan's rise in cricket is no mere an inspirational story. The country which always evolved around wars and internal conflicts has found his unity in cricket. In early 90 most of the Afghan cricketers started their journey from Pakistan where they were necessary training and other valuable insights. The growth was slow but impactful. After the charge of Taliban though they were allowed to play cricket. 

In 2001 Afghanistan became an affiliate member of the ICC and was competing with Scotland, and Zimbabwe which persuaded them to absorb the international aspects of cricket. Soon BCCI too helped with necessary aspects by providing training grounds and playing series with them to encourage their strength. 

Read More: The Roar Of Most Balanced Side VS Most Consistent Side In Champions Trophy

Arrival In Big Arena

 Afghanistan gained their ODI status in 2015 when they took part in the World Cup too and it was their first exposure to the grand stage. Though they exited in the group stage they achieved the feat that all other associate nations strive for, Mohammad Nabi is a great example who has seen the growth of the team struggling from hard to the grand stage of the World Cup through words it might be looking easy but the action requires patience which paid them off well. 

 The younger generation too carried the legacy more often Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, and Sahidi, they all contributed to the betterment of the team. In 2017 Afghanistan became a full member of the ICC gaining its test status too. As the flow of cricket flooded Afghanistan team tended to play more bilateral series too. The 2019 and 2023 World Cups were huge advantages to them as they didn't participate but even defeated big teams like England and Pakistan.

Champions Trophy Mere Twist

Even in this Champions Trophy edition they have exempted their skills. They played their first match against South Africa they gave the good display of game but South Africa were way ahead of them. Their second match against England was a comeback which kept their hopes alive in the tournament where they beat England second time in the 50 over format. Afghanistan won the thrilling encounter by 8 runs. 

Read More: Once Again Afghanistan And Australia Face Other In Quater Final

 As the South Africa and Australia match was cancelled due to rain it became a virtual quarter-final between Afghanistan and Australia as South Africa made it into the semis with a better run rate. Yesterday's match between Afghanistan and Australia was too detained by rain with no result. By this Australia moved to semis by a better run rate. Afghanistan has the thinnest chance which is quite impossible where England has to beat South Africa by 207 margin or finish the match within 11 overs whatever the target set by South Africa and we all know it's not impossible. The confidence of Afghanistan players would have been pretty high and the future of their cricket seems to be bright like a shining star. 

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.