T20 World Cup: How Afghanistan achieved their first-ever semi-final spot

Afghanistan, led by skipper Rashid Khan, qualified for their first-ever semi-final of a major ICC tournament when they beat Bangladesh by eight runs in a rain-curtailed Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup in St Vincent on Monday night. Afghanistan’s victory also meant that Australia, who lost to India by 24 runs on earlier on Monday, were eliminated after managing just one win in the Super 8 stage.

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Australia’s defeat to India meant that they needed Bangladesh to beat Afghanistan in order to qualify for the semi-finals, but regular wickets at the end of their chase meant that Bangladesh were all out for 105 while looking to get to the DLS target of 114.

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Not many would have expected Afghanistan to reach this far in the T20 World Cup, but now that they are two matches away from glory, it’s worth looking at how Afghanistan created history before they take on South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday night (Thursday early morning in India).

Gulbadin Naib makes an impact

Gulbadin Naib might have grabbed the headlines for his 'controversial' hamstring injury during Afghanistan’s match against Bangladesh, but the batting all-rounder who can bowl right-arm pace has been impressive nevertheless. It’s no mean feat to stun an Australian batting lineup consisting of the likes of Travis Head, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell and finish with figures of 4/20, and although he has had a limited role with the ball in this tournament, it’s about the kind of impact the 33-year-old has had on the team that stands out.

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Even against West Indies, where a majority of Afghanistan’s bowlers were going for an economy of more than 10, Gulbadin maintained consistency with line and length to finish with figures of 2/14.

Gurbaz-Ibrahim opening stand

Teams rely on their openers to provide a rocking start to the innings and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had featured for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL this year, and Ibrahim Zadran have been at the forefront of Afghanistan’s batting in the powerplay and beyond.

They forged a 154-run stand against Uganda in the group stage and made a similar impact against New Zealand, combining to make 103 runs. Apart from a couple of matches in this tournament, the duo has regularly fired and the consistency is a big plus going into the semi-final against South Africa.

With 281 and 229 runs respectively, Gurbaz and Zadran are also among the top-three run-getters in the tournament.

Rashid Khan stands out among spinners

Rashid Khan has not just been an astute leader for Afghanistan but also has led the spin attack by example. Afghanistan played all of their matches in the Caribbean and that has helped Rashid due to the nature of pitches.

Be it 4/17 against New Zealand or 3/26 against India, Rashid has risen to the occasion in any given match situation. Just in the last three matches, he’s taken eight wickets including a four-fer against Bangladesh. Overall, Rashid has taken 14 wickets off just seven matches so far.

Fazalhaq Farooqi impresses with new ball

Pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has set the games for Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup with the new ball. He’s been the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 16 wickets and nine of these have come in the powerplay.

That’s the most by any bowler in powerplay in this T20 World Cup. His ability to swing the ball both ways has been his biggest advantage this tournament.

“We had the belief”

What makes Afghanistan the formidable side that they are now? According to captain Rashid Khan, it’s their self-belief.

Afghanistan were beaten by India in their first Super 8 match but bounced back to stun Australia by 21 runs thanks to some brilliant death bowling. This was Afghanistan’s first win over Australia in any format of international cricket.

“Well, it’s something like a dream for us as a team. Being in the semi-finals, I think, it’s all about the way we have started the tournament. And the belief came while we beat New Zealand. So it’s unbelievable. I don’t have any words to describe my feelings. Definitely back home, everyone is so, so happy for this big achievement for us being in the semi-final,” Rashid said after reaching semi-finals .