Rashid's bravehearts make first ever T20 World Cup semi-final

The redoubtable Rashid Khan led the way as Afghanistan qualified for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal with an eight-run win over Bangladesh in a rain-hit Super 8 match here, adding a golden chapter to their cricketing history that has survived war, political ostracization and lack of even a base at home.

- 

In the process, Rashid’s maverick team knocked out 2021 champions Australia after having humbled them in their previous Super 8 match. The Afghans will now face South Africa in the last-four stage on June 27.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s batting stumbled to a below-par 115/5 as Bangladesh bowlers made the most of a tricky pitch, bowling as many as 66 dot balls.

The match was eventually truncated to 19-overs-a-side due to frequent rain interruptions and Bangladesh was given a revised target on 114.