The Afghanistan Cricket Team made history on Tuesday, June 25, by qualifying for the semifinals of a World Cup for the first time. They achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller, winning by eight runs (DLS method) at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.
After restricting Afghanistan to 115/5 in their 20 overs, Bangladesh was set a DLS target of 114 in 19 overs. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team needed to chase the total in 12.1 overs, or 12.4 overs if they hit a six once the scores were tied, to advance to the semifinals. Despite their efforts, they were eventually bowled out for 105, granting Afghanistan a well-deserved ticket to the semifinals.
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Emotions ran high after this monumental result for the Afghan players. They were seen singing and dancing with pure joy. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was injured during the match, was seen sobbing profusely. Later, Afghanistan’s bowling consultant Dwayne Bravo uploaded an Instagram story showing the players dancing their hearts out in the team bus, led by Gulbadin Naib.
— 💥 (@Johnsmaink) June 25, 2024
Dwayne Bravo joined Afghanistan as a bowling consultant ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and has already formed a strong bond with both the players and fans. He has been actively involved on the sidelines, offering strategies to captain Rashid Khan and the other bowlers. The Blue Tigers have been one of the better bowling sides in the tournament, making great use of the helpful conditions.
The Caribbean cricketer, considered one of the finest bowlers in T20 cricket history, has had a significant impact as a bowling consultant. His expertise is paying rich dividends for the team.
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The Blue Tigers are set to face an unbeaten South African side in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday, June 27, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. Meanwhile, England and India will clash in the second semifinal on the same day at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. The final will be held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
