With a thrilling 8-run victory over Bangladesh, Afghanistan's national cricket team qualified for their first ever T20 World Cup semifinal. The win also knocked out heavyweights Australia, who were relying on a Bangladeshi victory to advance. Captain Rashid Khan and bowler Naveen-ul-Haq were the heroes of the match, both taking four wickets each to secure the historic win. Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the semifinals, with India going up against defending champions England in the other match.
Afghanistan's Historic Victory Over Bangladesh Qualifies Them for T20 World Cup Semifinal
In a thrilling match at Adelaide Oval on Friday, Afghanistan's national cricket team defeated Bangladesh by 8 runs, securing their place in the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup. The victory also sent shockwaves through the tournament, as it eliminated heavily favored Australia, who were relying on a Bangladeshi win to progress.
Match Highlights
Afghanistan's captain, Rashid Khan, led by example, taking four wickets for 29 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq was equally impressive, claiming four wickets for 35 runs. Their exceptional bowling performance restricted Bangladesh to a modest score of 127/7 in 20 overs.
In the run chase, Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals, but Najibullah Zadran played a crucial knock of 73 runs off 48 deliveries to keep their hopes alive. He received support from Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 23 runs.
Bangladesh's bowlers fought back gamely, with Mustafizur Rahman taking three wickets. However, Afghanistan held their nerve in the final over, securing the victory with just one ball to spare.
Background
Afghanistan's qualification for the semifinals marks a historic moment for the country. It is the first time they have reached the last four of a major international cricket tournament. Their journey has been remarkable, considering the challenges they have faced over the years, including political turmoil and a lack of infrastructure.
Impact on Australia
Australia's elimination from the tournament was a major upset. They were one of the favorites to win the title, but their reliance on Bangladesh to beat Afghanistan proved to be their downfall. The result has left many Australian fans and experts disappointed.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When will Afghanistan play in the semifinals? Afghanistan will face South Africa in the semifinals on November 9 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
2. Who will India face in the semifinals? India will face defending champions England in the other semifinal on November 10 at the Adelaide Oval.
3. Who took the most wickets for Afghanistan in the match against Bangladesh? Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq both took four wickets each.
4. How many runs did Najibullah Zadran score in the match? Najibullah Zadran scored 73 runs off 48 deliveries.
5. Who was named the Player of the Match? Rashid Khan was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.
PBKS's bowling coach, James Hopes, has backed Arshdeep Singh for a spot in India's upcoming Test tour to England. With the squad set to be announced soon, Hopes is confident that Arshdeep's skills make him perfectly suited for English conditions. Describing him as "highly skilled" and "coachable," Hopes believes that Arshdeep's versatility and constant drive to improve will lead him to becoming one of the most dominant bowlers of his era. As India prepares to begin their campaign in the World Test Championship, this will also be the first test series without veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
New Zealand's explosive wicketkeeper-batter, Tim Seifert, will be joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a temporary replacement for England's Jacob Bethell, who is set to return home for national duties after their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Seifert, who has previously played in the IPL for Delhi Capitals (2022) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2021), has impressed at the top of the order for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, scoring 226 runs in just nine innings. With the unavailability of other overseas players like Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi, Seifert's high-impact inclusion will strengthen RCB's roster for the upcoming playoffs.
The highly anticipated cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was abandoned due to heavy rain just hours before it was scheduled to begin. However, RCB fans refused to let the weather dampen their spirits as they continued to show their support and planned tributes for the retirement of RCB's captain Virat Kohli from Test cricket. The washout had major impacts on the IPL 2025 points table, with RCB moving to the top spot while KKR's title defense officially comes to an end. Despite the no-result, RCB still has a strong chance of making the playoffs, thanks to their loyal fans who braved the rain for their team.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, promised to win a title in his second year and he delivered on that promise with a Europa League trophy win over Manchester United. Despite a difficult season in the Premier League where Spurs sit in 17th place, Postecoglou's declaration and determination propelled the team to their first silverware in 17 years. The win not only brings much-needed silverware to the club, but also instills a new mentality and belief for future success.
With the highly anticipated resumption of IPL 2025, KKR batter Manish Pandey voices his thoughts on the upcoming clash against RCB. The two teams have a long-standing rivalry, with the most memorable match being in 2017 where KKR's bowlers decimated Bengaluru's batting order for a mere 49 runs. With the match set to take place at RCB's homeground, both teams are eager for redemption and a thrilling showdown is expected.
The Mumbai Indians have announced three replacements for their players Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, who will be leaving for national duties after MI's last league game on May 26. The English trio of Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch will be replaced by Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka respectively. Bairstow, who was unsold at the auction, will join MI for Rs 5.25 crore and offer a wicketkeeping option alongside his batting prowess. Gleeson will come in at a reserve price of Rs one crore, while Asalanka joins for Rs 75 lakh.
In response to recent rumors and reports, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not discussed or made any decisions regarding their participation in upcoming events organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). These rumors have emerged due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to speculation about BCCI's involvement in the Women's Emerging Asia Cup and the Men's Asia Cup. However, Saikia has clarified that the BCCI's current focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series. The board will make any official announcements regarding ACC events in the future.
The IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants on Monday turned into an intense battle, both on and off the pitch. SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, who had smashed a stunning 50 off just 18 balls, got into a heated exchange with LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi after being dismissed. Despite his impressive performance, Abhishek's team was unable to secure a playoff spot and will now have to wait for another season.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has refuted claims that India will not participate in the upcoming ACC tournaments. The board has not yet discussed or reached a decision on the matter and is currently focused on the ongoing IPL and the England series. An announcement regarding the ACC events will be made at a later time. Earlier reports suggested that India will withdraw from ACC tournaments due to political tensions with Pakistan, but Saikia has clarified that no decision has been made yet.
After tensions between India and Pakistan have increased, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw India's participation from the 2025 Asia Cup tournament. Along with this, the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled for next month, has also been canceled. The BCCI has stated that they cannot participate in an ACC organized tournament, and their future participation in their events is on hold due to the association's Pakistani chief. With India providing a major chunk of sponsorships for international cricket events, the broadcasters are also not interested in an Asia Cup without the India-Pakistan match, which could result in a renegotiation of the broadcasting rights deal between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and ACC. This decision further intensifies the ongoing strained relationship between the two neighboring countries.