Afghanistan reached a first ever World Cup semi-final courtesy of a dramatic eight-run victory over Bangladesh which in turn knocked Australia out of the T20 tournament.
Bangladesh came into the game with a chance to progress or send Australia through with a victory but, chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs, were bowled out for 105.
Captain Rashid Khan (4-23) and Naveen-ul-Haq (4-26) each took four wickets in the victory that secures Afghanistan a historic first World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Trinidad on Wednesday evening.
Afghanistan hopes were earlier dented when restricted to a modest 115-5 batting first, Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scoring, but using up 55 deliveries to reach 43.
In reply, Litton Das struck an unbeaten 54 from 49 for Bangladesh, but wickets regularly tumbled at the other end, including two in two balls for Rashid in the 11th over that reduced the Tigers to 80-7.
Naveen then wrapped up the innings and the semi-final-clinching victory with his own double-strike with back-to-back deliveries in the 18th.
What’s next?
Afghanistan face South Africa in the first semi-final in Trinidad (Thursday, 1.30am UK and Ireland), with the Proteas having topped Group 2 of the Super 8s ahead of England.
India took top spot in Group 1 and in doing so set up a Thursday date with England in Guyana (3.30pm).
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Highlights from St Lucia as Rohit Sharma’s 92 from 41 balls powered India to victory over Australia and into the T20 World Cup semi-finals
There is no reserve day available for the second semi-final between England and India – although an extra 250 minutes is available on the scheduled day – so if the game cannot be completed due to weather India will advance by virtue of topping their Super 8s pool.
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