Afghanistan to face South Africa in first semi-final of T20 World Cup 2024

All three results were wide open - an Australia, an Afghanistan and a Bangladesh qualification - as Afghanistan took on Bangladesh on Monday (June 24) in St Vincent. Australia’s loss at the hands of India meant that they had to depend on a favourable result here. 

The equation was quite simple for Afghanistan. All that they needed was a win, which would seal their spot, given that they would have four points. However, it was mathematically complex for Bangladesh, who had to chase 116 within 12.1 overs or 12.5 overs (if they hit a six). For Australia, the equation was that Bangladesh had to win and win only after the 13th over. 

Batting first, Afghanistan almost made a meal out of their qualification chances, finishing with just 115 runs on the board. Bangladesh started strong with 13 runs in the first over before their chase tapered off. 

It was a special display from Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26) and Rashid Khan (4/23) that gave Afghanistan a slender eight-run win that sealed their qualification. Given that Afghanistan finished second in Group 1, they will take on the toppers of Group 2 - South Africa in the first semi-final on June 26 (Wednesday). 

The contest will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, a venue that could be advantageous for the Asian side. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will be between India and England.

India have a point to prove against England on June 27 (Thursday) after the 10-wicket drubbing against them at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide. For South Africa and Afghanistan, it is a prime opportunity to break their trophy jinx. England have a prime opportunity to defend their title, with a chance to become the only side to defend a T20 World Cup silverware.

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