Hyderabad: It was November 7, 2023, and Australia were up against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup. Afghanistan were on the brink of entering the semi-final while a defeat might have put Australia’s chances to enter the top four in danger. Chasing a target of 292 runs in Mumbai at the Wankhede stadium, Australia were reduced to 91/7 but a storm named Glenn Maxwell entered the ground.
Maxwell tore apart the quality spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujjeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. With a knock of unbeaten 201, the Aussie all-rounder guided the team towards a victory and ensured a place in the semi-final of the tournament while dashing Afghan hopes.
Now, after a span of seven months and 18 days, Afghanistan have bounced back in the best manner possible. Not only they played a crucial role in eliminating Australia from the tournament but they also qualified for the semis thanks to a world-class bowling attack. Rashid Khan and Naveen ul Haq joined forces to tear apart the Bangladesh batting unit and also crush Australia's hopes of entering the final four of the marquee tournament.
Aus used to invite Ind once every 10 years; Eng used to get Ind Tests out of the way in early part of the season. Same boards now lay out the red carpet for Ind. Same thing is going to happen with Afg. Cricket world will have to give Afg the respect they deserve. #AFGvBAN #T20WC pic.twitter.com/MaZLHSXvvL
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan showcased their potential in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 when they trounced New Zealand by 84 runs. The bowling attack stepped up to the task in the fixture and that win helped the Afghans enter into the Super 8 stages of the competition.
In the Super 8 Group 1, India and Australia were favourites to advance into the semi-final but before Afghanistan beat the latter. They first defeated Australia by 21 runs which brought India and these two teams in contention to enter the semi-final.
Congratulations to the whole Afghanistan team on their well deserved spot in the #T20WorldCup 2024 semi-final!Keep shining bright like the stars you are, showing the world the power of determination, teamwork & pure skill! Rooting for your victory against South Africa.#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/QsRdjtJWn8
— Nikita Dubey. 🇮🇳 (@BanarasiChhori9) June 25, 2024
India also beat Australia and a win against Bangladesh was enough for Afghanistan to eliminate Australia from Super 8 only. Rain interrupted the game at frequent intervals but that didn’t deter Afghanistan from their aspirations of entering their first T20 World Cup semi-final stage. The team successfully defended the total of 115 with Naveen ul Haq and Rashid Khan taking four wickets each. The match turned out to be revenge for what Australia did with Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023, with the latter knocking the former this time around.
Afghanistan are through to the #T20WorldCup 2024 semi-final 👏💥...#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/YVRhZqftYf
— Âķ☬༒❤️... (@Akash09___) June 25, 2024
The results also received the attention of the netizens and many of them praised the thrilling encounter. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer also praised Afghanistan saying they deserve respect for the valiant win.
Undoubtedly, The second best Asian team - Afghanistan 🇦🇫💯🫡#AFGvBAN #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1B4EYYyHWu
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) June 25, 2024
GOING TO THE SEMI-FINALS 🤯
— Rahul Soni (@RahulSo28970143) June 25, 2024
Afghanistan defeat Bangladesh in a thriller 📲https://t.co/aAaLzwiQX2#T20WorldCup #AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/PIGu1IfR9c
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