C T Online Desk: Afghanistan made history in St. Vincent, defeating Bangladesh by eight runs in a low-scoring thriller in the final Super Eight match to reach the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup for the very first time.
In a match where the fate of three teams — Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Australia — were on the line, the Afghans have come out on top, defending a mere 114-run target in 19 overs after multiple rain interruptions and have marched into the final four of a major ICC event for the very first time.
Liton Das remained unbeaten on 54 off 49 balls, but eventually ran out of partners, as the Tigers were bundled out for 105 in 17.5 overs.
Bangladesh initially showed intent to chase the target down inside 12.1 overs, which would’ve sent them to the semis, but Afghan skipper Rashid Khan turned the tide in the middle overs, and finished with 4-23.
Still, Bangladesh were inching closer to the target with Liton holding up one end. But Naveen-ul-Haq, who had taken two wickets in the Powerplay, struck in consecutive deliveries in the 18th over to seal the win for the Afghans, eliminating Australia in the process as well.
Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the first semifinal on June 27. Both these teams have never played a final of a World Cup.
