The Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh Super 8 game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 sent social media into a frenzy. In a dramatic turn of events, Afghanistan secured a narrow eight-run victory over Bangladesh, propelling them into the semi-finals and effectively eliminating Australia from the tournament. Meanwhile, Bangladesh faced harsh criticism for their perceived negative tactics and lackluster performance.
Simon Doull, former New Zealand cricketer and now a commentator, expressed his bewilderment during the match, saying, “I don’t get what Bangladesh are doing. They’re more worried about winning the match rather than qualifying for Semis.” Netizens were equally vocal in their disappointment with Bangladesh’s approach. One user remarked, “They are playing for some money.” Another added, “Just embarrassing stuff from Bangladesh, they deserve to lose this.”
Comments continued to flood in, with sentiments such as, “Bangladesh have given up, no surprise really,” and, “I don’t understand what Bangladesh are trying to do here, winning for nothing. At least try to play in the Semi Final, they are not trying to chase it in 12.1 overs.”
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A particularly critical user mentioned, “Bangladeshi cricket team lost respect way back in Sri Lanka. They had a great side in 2015 WC but never progressed post that.” Another pointed out the missed opportunity, saying, “Really surprising they had the match at 3 overs 43, they could have easily given it a shot.”
On the field, Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq led the Afghan bowling attack with precision, defending a modest target of 115. Due to rain, the second innings was reduced to 19 overs, setting a revised target of 114 runs. Rashid Khan’s exceptional performance included setting a record for the most four-wicket hauls in Men’s T20Is, with nine such feats to his name. He surpassed Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, who has eight, and Uganda’s Henry Ssenyondo, who holds third place.
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For Bangladesh, Litton Das stood out with an unbeaten 54 runs from 49 balls, featuring five fours and one six, but his efforts were in vain. Earlier in the match, the Bangladesh bowlers had managed to restrict Afghanistan to 115/5, yet their batting approach failed to capitalize on the situation.
This game sparked a wave of reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans and critics alike voiced their opinions on the dramatic on-field developments.
Red card for Gulbadin Naib😂😂😂
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 25, 2024
Gulbadin just beat Rizwan for the worst actor award.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) June 25, 2024
Q :How is the top 4 semi finalist?
A : definitely Australia other 3 you choose
✈️✈️✈️ 🤫🤐 @ACBofficials @patcummins30 @CricketAus— Najib Zadran (@iamnajibzadran) June 25, 2024
At 73-5 after 9 overs, Bangladesh had two choices.
1. Go for the 12.1 thing. The two options were qualification and elimination.
2. Play safe. The two options were a (consolation win and elimination) and (defeat and elimination).
That they chose 2 over 1 shows their mindset.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) June 25, 2024
My final views on Super 8s [Thread]
1. Afghanistan
The team fought tooth and nail under Rashid khan’s leadership. On field victims of inexperience and off field victims of this world’s selective morality.
But nothing could stop them here.pic.twitter.com/LIWiTw1od9
— Aman Patel (@lilbrownykid) June 25, 2024
As I said during the 2023 World Cup, please do not disrespect Afghanistan’s achievements by calling it an UPSET…
In fact, it’s the opposite word: a SETUP, the foundation of which was laid by Nabi & Co. through many years of hard work… https://t.co/zrLt4rUnBB— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) June 25, 2024
To everyone struggling with their mental health this image of Jonathan Trott is proof that there IS light the other side of the dark.
Keep fighting.
It will get better 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/9mfup08PcR— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) June 25, 2024
