Twitter Reactions: Afghanistan book ticket for T20 World Cup semi-final following Bangladesh win

Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Afghanistan made history in game 52 of the ongoing T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh in the Super Eight stage of the tournament. The Rashid Khan-led side booked their ticket to the semi-finals of the tournament. Both sides locked horns at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent, on Tuesday, June 25. 

The game began with Afghanistan coming in to bat first after winning the toss. The side opened with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scoring 43 and 18 runs, respectively. Azmatullah Omarzai added 10 runs on the board as well, with Rashid Khan staying unbeaten on 19 runs. However, the rest of the batters could not amount to much, as Bangladesh limited Afghanistan to a total of 115 runs in the first innings. 

Rishad Hossain was the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh, with three wickets to his name. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took one wicket each, and Bangladesh looked hopeful after the first innings. 

Bowling masterclass helps Afghanistan realize the dream

Aiming to defend the target, rain played spoilsport, and the game was interrupted. Eventually, after a few instances of rain, Bangladesh got a revised target of 114 runs to chase down in 19 overs. 

The side opened with Tanzid Hasan’s dismissal on a three-ball duck. Najmul Hossain Shanto departed after scoring five runs with Shakib Al Hasan being sent packing on a golden duck. As wickets kept falling at one end, Litton Das showed resilience and scored 54 runs in 49 deliveries. 

However, after Das’ dismissal, the remaining batters succumbed to the pressure put forth by Afghanistan bowlers. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq were the highest wicket-takers for their side, with four wickets each. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib took one wicket each as Afghanistan won the game by eight runs through DLS.

Here’s how X reacted to the game: