Afghanistan etched their name in history on Tuesday, June 24, by securing a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a victory over Bangladesh in Kingston, St Vincent.
In a tense encounter at the Arnos Vale ground, Afghanistan batted first and posted 115-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Rain interruptions during Bangladesh’s chase adjusted their target to 114 in 19 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion, bowling out Bangladesh for 105 in 17.5 overs, thus clinching a semifinal berth.
Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the first semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Wednesday, June 27, with hopes of making it to the final.
The rise of Afghan cricket is a story of sheer determination and resilience, overcoming insurmountable odds. Here, we spotlight five players who have been instrumental in this remarkable journey:
#1 Rashid Khan
Undoubtedly, the first name that comes to mind is Rashid Khan, the ace leg-spinning all-rounder. Rashid emerged in 2015 as a young mystery spinner with a knack for big hits lower down the order. He has since become one of the most sought-after players in T20 leagues globally, significantly contributing to the rise of Afghan cricket.
#2 Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi, the most senior player in the Afghan team, has been a cornerstone of their success. A veteran of 161 ODIs, 128 T20Is, and three Tests, Nabi excels as a spin-bowling all-rounder. His experience and tactical acumen have been invaluable, making him a pivotal figure in Afghanistan’s cricketing ascent.
#3 Ibrahim Zadran
Opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has been crucial to Afghanistan’s recent success. Known for his technical prowess and patience, Zadran has consistently provided solid starts. His standout performance was an 87 on his Test debut against Bangladesh, a historic win that underscored Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket.
#4 Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a game-changer for Afghanistan. His aggressive batting style at the top of the order has allowed his teammates to build their innings. Gurbaz top-scored with 43 against Bangladesh, highlighting his importance. His dynamic presence has also been felt in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 edition.
#5 Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in ODIs, has been a bedrock of their batting lineup. His first-ever Test century for Afghanistan against Bangladesh in 2019 is a testament to his skill and composure. Although he isn’t part of the current T20 World Cup squad, his contributions have been vital to Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.
The journey of Afghan cricket is a testament to their players’ resilience and passion. These five cricketers, with their remarkable contributions, have paved the way for Afghanistan’s incredible rise on the world stage.
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