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Some game of cricket that, even if the standard wasn’t super high.
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Here is Malcolm Conn’s yarn wrapping it all up.
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Jonathan Trott signals to the Afghanistan players to slow down as rain approaches. Credit: Amazon Prime
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan says he is ecstatic to have booked a semi-final spot at the World Cup but insists teammate Gulbadin Naib was suffering from cramps at the very moment coach Jonathan Trott instructed his team to slow play down with rain approaching.
There were farcical scenes during the dying stages of the Afghanistan and Bangladesh fixture when first slip fieldsman Gulbadin Naib stopped play as Rashid was about to send down a ball.
Afghanistan were ahead on DLS and a wash-out would have seen them progress. Seconds later, players left the field as Gulbadin received medical treatment.
Rashid was asked about the incident afterwards on Amazon’s coverage.
“Gulbadin had some cramp. Hopefully he will be alright. That wicket he gave to us was massive.”
The moment, which could be scrutinised by the International Cricket Council, soured a famous win for Afghanistan.
Rashid said Brian Lara was the only person who backed Afghanistan to make it to the last four.
“It’s a dream for us as a team being in the semi-final,” Rashid said. “The belief came when we beat New Zealand. It’s unbelievable. I don’t have any words. Everyone back home is so excited. The only guy who put us in semi-finals was Brian Lara. We proved that right. We told him we wouldn’t let him down. Proud of this team.”
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan, left, embraces teammate Gulbadin Naib. Credit: AP
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan, centre, embraces teammate Gulbadin Naib. Credit: AP
They’re off. Credit: AP
A huge moment for Afghanistan. Credit: AP
Look how tight those net run rates are.
India go through undefeated. They will face England in a semi-final at 12:30am (AEST) on Friday.
A wild match of cricket, with three teams ultimately vying for the last semi-final spot.
After another quick break, all is clear for the match to resume.
These Caribbean storms really don’t have much behind them.
IT’S ALL OVER.
Afghanistan take their 10th wicket, courtesy of an LBW to Naveen-ul-Haq, to clinch a remarkable eight-run win over Bangladesh in the most dramatic fashion. It comes with seven balls to spare.
Australia won’t make the last four. Neither will Bangladesh.
Afghanistan have qualified for the semi-finals of this tournament and will face South Africa on Thursday at 10:30am AEST.
It’s a huge achievement for the country, particularly after their brilliant win over Australia on Sunday.
Naveen-ul-Haq takes Afghanistan’s ninth wicket. Taskin chops one onto his stumps.
Bangladesh need nine runs from eight balls to win the game.
Nervous times for Australia.
Wow. Players are now coming off for rain.
Before that wicket, Bangladesh were in front by one run on DLS.
After that wicket, Bangladesh are now behind by three runs.
What drama.
It’s as tight as it gets.
Wouldn’t it be funny if Bangladesh blocked out the last couple of overs to deprive Australia of a spot in the last four.
A run a ball from Bangladesh gets Australia home.
The Aussie boys are watching the game from their hotel in St Lucia.
Howzat?Credit: AP
A fighting half century there from Bangladesh’s Litton Das. He’s keeping his country in this contest, even if their hopes of making a semi-final have been dashed.
An LBW shout from the final ball of the 16th over goes upstairs but it’s deemed not out.
Bangladesh 8-98 after 16 overs.
If Bangladesh score 16 runs in the next 18 balls, Australia will play South Africa in a semi-final on Thursday at 10:30am AEST. Keep in mind, one over was lost due to poor weather.
Afghanistan, who knocked off Australia on Sunday, would be out of the tournament.
Never have more Australians been interested in a Bangladesh and Afghanistan cricket fixture.
I still can’t get over Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib taking a dive at first slip to try and waste time there. Hilarious because play was only delayed a few minutes. Some serious questions need to be asked of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who is Afghanistan’s coach. Spirit of cricket?
BANG: Afghanistan have their eighth wicket.
Bangladesh are now 8-92. They need 22 from 28 balls for victory, which would get Australia into a semi-final.
Australian players will be watching through their fingers (if they’re still awake).
“This is the most amazing night out and it hasn’t been quality stuff. It’s been bizarre,” says Ian Smith in commentary.
It’s 12:42am local time.
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan kicks at the ball. Credit: AP
That wasn’t long. Players back on the field. Trying to see whether first slip has made a miracle recovery.
Reduced target now for Bangladesh, who have a revised total of 114 in 19 overs.
If they can achieve that, Australia will make the last four. What drama.
Bangladesh 7-82 (need 32 from 42 balls).