New Delhi: Afghanistan scripted history on Tuesday by entering their first-ever World Cup semi-final after edging past Bangladesh in a nail-biting Super Eight clash at St Vincent. Chasing a 116-run target, which was later reduced to 114 in 19 overs due to rain, Bangladesh were bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs. The victory not only helped the Afghans enter their first-ever World Cup semi-final but also knocked out the current ODI World Cup champions Australia out of the tournament.
The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster. With several rain interruptions and changing equations, both teams were in with a chance but, in the end, it was Afghanistan, who held their nerve in a pressure situation to book a semis berth against South Africa.
There was no shortage of nervy moments in the match but in the middle of all the tension, one moment tickled everyone’s funny bone. With a spot in the last four at stake, the Afghan bowler stepped up and left the Bangla Tigers reeling on 81/7 in the 12th over, when rain interrupted the action for a third time. With Bangladesh just two runs behind as per the DLS method, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott urged his players to slow things down.
All of a sudden, Gulbadin Naib, standing at first slip, fell to the ground holding his hamstring and left everyone on the field and in the commentary box baffled and amused. Pommie Mbangwa, the Zimbabwean commentator, remarked: ‘It has the potential to be either an Emmy or Oscar-worthy performance’.
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This has got to be the most funniest thing ever 🤣 Gulbadin Naib just breaks down after coach tells him to slow things down 🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/JdHm6MfwUp
— Sports Production (@SportsProd37) June 25, 2024
Gulbadin was carried off the field as rain stopped play briefly but was later seen running on the field, revealing the truth that it was indeed a fake injury.
Ian Smith, legendary Kiwi commentator made a hilarious comment after watching Gulbadin running back to the field without any discomfort.
“I’ve a dodgy knee for the last 6 months, I am gonna see Gulbadin Naib’s doctor straight after the game. He’s the 8th wonder of the world right now”, he said on-air.
Afghanistan reap the rewards of brave play
Progressing from a group comprising India and Australia is no mean feat but Afghanistan were rewarded for their brave and fearless attitude. Despite losing their first Super Eight clash against India, the Afghans showed immense character to beat the mighty Australians by 21 runs.
Heading into the pressure match against Bangladesh, Rashid Khan’s men again showed why they are rated so highly with another impeccable performance. Afghanistan’s entry into the semi-final is just the start. More history awaits the Afghans.
T20 World Cup 2024: There was no shortage of nervy moments in Super Eight match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. But in the middle of all the tension, one moment tickled everyone’s funny bone. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
