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'Everybody loves this Afghan team...even Taliban are fans'

Pinaki ChakrabortyTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Jun 25, 2024 | 13:48 IST
Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan with teammates after win against Bangladesh (Photo: PTI)

Afghanistan advanced to their first-ever senior world tournament semifinal with a nerve-jangling eight-run victory over Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup on June 25 that eliminated mighty Australia. We spoke to veteran sports journalist Jafar Haand earlier about how cricket inspires people in the war-ravaged country

In a win for the history books, with the redoubtable Rashid Khan leading the way, 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 ostracisation 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.
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