Of the many nights of high drama witnessed at this level of the game, Afghanistan etched their names in the annals of cricket history as they booked a maiden berth in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a thrilling 8-run victory over Bangladesh for a modest target of 116 set under the Duckworth–Lewis system after rain interfered. Bangladesh fell short at 108 despite Liton Das’ valiant effort.

Captain Rashid Khan’s leadership epitomised team unity as his spinners choked life out of the Bangladesh batting lineup. Ultimately, it was the leg-spinner starring single-handedly with a four-wicket haul, while Naveen-ul-Haq chipped in with three scalps. This win takes Afghanistan to the semis for the first time and knocks out heavyweights Australia from the tournament.

Earlier, batting first, Afghanistan rode a solid opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to post a defendable total. The middle order, though, could not capitalize on this as it left the score to an unbeaten 19 by skipper Rashid Khan. The Bangladesh bowlers did well—Rishad Hossain returning with three wickets—to restrict Afghanistan, but the batting was under pressure.

This historic victory will change how Afghan cricket is referred to. They’ve done it consistently, contesting the World Cup, falling short, and finally breaking through the barrier. The stern test in the semis against South Africa now becomes its opposition, but the belief in camp will be sky-high. This is Afghanistan’s fairy-tale run, and the cricket world waits with bated breath for what’s next.