Afghanistan Shocks Australia, Reaches Maiden Semi-Finals!
While Rashid took 4 wickets for 23, Naveen took four wickets for 26. There is a common point in booth performances.
The Afghanistan team scripted history and entered the Semi-Finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup. This is the first time the team reached the semis of any World Cup format. The team has been sensational in the tournament. With the same consistency, the team reached the semi-finals. Fans broke into celebrations with this.
While it is good news for the Afghanistan fans, it is a shock to Australia. The scenario was such that Afghanistan could decide whether it could reach the semi-finals or one team between Bangladesh and Australia. But Rashid Khan led Afghanistan knocked out both teams.
What Afghanistan did was a double stroke to Australia. Earlier Afghanistan recorded a win against Australia. With an overall performance, the team dominated the Aussies. With the win in the crucial match, it sent Australia home from the league.
Afghanistan and Australia are in a similar position and Afghanistan needed one win to reach the semis. The scenario was such that Bangladesh should chase the target in 12.1 overs to reach the semis with a good Net Run Rate. If Afghanistan wins it can go to the semis.
In the do-or-die match, Bangladesh bowlers breathed fire on the ground and restricted Afghanistan to just 115. Many felt that Bangladesh could win the match and either it or Australia reach the semis. But Rashid Khan and Naveen Ul Haq made the difference in the low-scoring match.
Both bowlers took four wickets each. While Rashid took 4 wickets for 23, Naveen took four wickets for 26. There is a common point in booth performances. Both bowlers took wickets in consecutive deliveries.
With Australia and Bangladesh out of the league, the fixtures are clear. Afghanistan will face South Africa in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, India and England will lock horns.
Australia’s situation became tough with India defeating the team. In the high-scoring thriller, Australia lost the match. Rohit Sharma played one of the best innings of his career. He made Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins concede runs.