WATCH: 'Tears of joy' as Afghanistan's T20 World Cup history leads to massive celebrations back home

Afghanistan players broke down in tears while their historic win over Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday led to grand and joyous celebrations in the nation. In the last Super 8s fixture, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs to reach the T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time ever. In fact, this is the first time they have reached the last four stage of a men’s World Cup – T20I or ODI.

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The wild celebrations began the moment pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took the final wicket of the match at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown. As the wicket fell, the players ran towards the Afghanistan dugout to celebrate the historic moment as the fans in the stands got emotional.

It was not only the fans, even Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and other players got emotional as a few tears rolled down their cheeks.

The match was being played late in the night in the West Indies which is morning time in Afghanistan and fans gathered in large numbers in Khost and Pakita provinces in the country to celebrate the historic victory. The pictures and videos of fan celebrations from Afghansitan were shared on X by ACB.

What happened in AFG vs BAN match?

Afghanistan batted first and made what seemed an inadequate 115/5 in a match they had to win to reach the semifinals for the first time.

Then in a dramatic second innings with rain hovering and three nations gripped by the action, Bangladesh fell short in a hectic effort to surpass Afghanistan’s total in 12.1 overs — which would have sent them into the semifinals.

Afghanistan’s victory was finally sealed when the last Bangladesh wicket fell with the total 105 at 1:10 a.m. local time. Few dared leave the ground as they were gripped until the end by the action and the kaleidoscope of changing fortunes.

Rain interrupted the match on four occasions, adding more drama and bringing revised targets into play.

In a breathtaking finish to the Super Eight stage, there were four main scenarios. If Afghanistan won they would go through. If it rained and the match ended without a result, Afghanistan also would progress.

A Bangladesh win would end Afghanistan’s campaign and send Australia through. But if Bangladesh won within 12.1 overs it would go through on net run-rate and both Afghanistan and Australia would go home.

When Afghanistan made only 115 after choosing to bat, all of those scenario’s remained in play. Rain eventually reduced the chase to 114 from 19 overs.

Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman with the last two balls of the 18th over to clinch the match and finish with 4-26. Litton Das carried his bat and finished 54 not out for Bangladesh.

“We have worked so hard over the past few years and we were dreaming and we were waiting for this day,” Naveen said. “When that day comes and it happens, it’s a surreal experience."

As he spoke, the Afghanistan players carried their captain Rashid Khan around the field as rain fell.

“It’s a massive celebration back home. In this World Cup, I think the country will be very proud,” Rashid said in a later TV interview. “I’m so happy the way we’ve delivered as a team.”

With agency inputs