After producing the biggest upset of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023 Super 8 stage, Afghanistan were just one step behind qualifying for the semi-finals and their 8-run win via the DLS method against Bangladesh cemented their qualification. Afghanistan and Bangladesh faced each other at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday morning (IST) in the last match of the Super 8s.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat and posted 115 runs on the board at a loss of five wickets with wicketkeeper-opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 43 off 55 followed by skipper Rashid Khan’s unbeaten 10-ball 19 runs as Rishad Hossain picked up three wickets.
While chasing the target, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals, however, their wicketkeeping-opener Liton Das stood firm at one end to keep his side in the competition. Afghanistan skipper turned the game in their favour with his twin strike in the 11th over on back-to-back deliveries as he ended his spell with four wickets. Apart from Rashid Khan, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq picked up 4 wickets.
However, rain affected the game and the Bangladesh innings was reduced to 19 overs with a target of 114 runs via the DLS method. Liton Das stood tall and scored a sensational half-century, however, Afghanistan held their nerves and clinched the victory to ensure their semi-final qualification.