For those who don’t know, Lara stated before the competition that Afghanistan would make it to the last four teams.
Afghanistan qualified for the semi-finals, where they will play South Africa, with an exciting eight-run triumph against Bangladesh in the rain-soaked match in Kingstown.
“Being in the semi-finals is a dream for us.” We had faith in ourselves after our victory over New Zealand early in the competition. In the interview conducted after the game, Rashid Khan declared, “It’s unbelievable.”
Brian Lara was the sole person who predicted that we would make it to the semifinals, and we proved him wrong. At the welcoming reception when we first met, I assured him that we wouldn’t disappoint.
Back home, there is a big party. For us as well, it’s a major victory. At the U-19 level, we have accomplished that, but I am at a loss for words when it comes to the sentiment back home during this World Cup. We need to make sure we enjoy the occasion and approach the semifinals with a very clear head.
Despite managing 115-5 in the allotted 20 overs, Afghanistan was, the leg-spinner acknowledged, 15 runs short at bat. But bowlers, he said, had a well defined strategy that they adhered to and won.
Although we scored 130–135 runs, we were short by 15 runs. We were prepared for their fierce reaction and knew that this would be an opportunity for us. Just be explicit in our plans was all that was required of us, Khan added.
