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Rashid Khan Breaks Silence As 'Cheating' Accusation Sours Afghanistan's T20 World Cup Semi-Final Entry

On Tuesday, Afghanistan experienced their most important day in their cricket history so far. The team led by Rashid Khan defeated Bangladesh to knock out Australia and qualify for the first time ever in a T20 World Cup semi-final. However, there was one incident that seemed to mar the whole occasion for Afghanistan. It happened when Gulbadin Naib dramatically fell on his back, clutching his thigh after Trott signalled his players to slow things down.

"Afghanistan's Run To T20 World Cup Semi-Finals Will Inspire Youth Back Home": Rashid Khan

Skipper Rashid Khan believes that Afghanistan's maiden T20 World Cup semifinal qualification, following spectacular wins over New Zealand and Australia along the way, is a momentous feat that will inspire the youth of the strife-torn nation. Afghanistan, who became a full ICC member only in 2017, scripted history by qualifying for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal with a win over Bangladesh. "I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive like inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post match press conference.

Behind Afghanistan's Rise In World Cricket, BCCI, India's 'Hidden Role'

Not just another fairytale, Afghanistan's rise in world cricket has arguably been unparalleled. They only became full members of the International Cricket Council in 2017, and in 2024, the team booked its passage into the semi-finals of a World Cup (T20) for the first time. Often dubbed as minnows or underdogs in major events, Afghanistan produced some eye-opening performances this T20 World Cup, especially against New Zealand and Australia, to reach as far as the semi-finals. While a big chunk of credit goes to the players for stepping up their game and delivering when it mattered the most, India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have also played a major role in their rise.

Watch: Thousands Of Fans On Streets As Afghanistan Reach Historic T20 World Cup Semi-finals

All hell broke lose as Afghanistan booked their ticket to the T20 World Cup semi-finals for the first time in history. Fans thronged streets in thousands to celebrate the team's moment of history on the global cricketing stage, beating Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match of the tournament. Afghanistan weren't backed by many to go this far in the tournament, but wins over giants New Zealand and Australia in the marquee event paved the way for them to sail through. As their qualification became official, fans in Afghanistan took to streets, with pictures and videos of the same going viral.

"Only Guy Who Put Us In Semifinals Was...": Rashid Khan's Big Tribute To WI Great

West Indian batting great Brian Lara had predicted Afghanistan would reach the T20 World Cup semifinals nearly a month before the tournament began and now that the giant-slayers have made it, skipper Rashid Khan said he is immensely proud to have proved the legend right. Afghanistan continued their brilliant run at the T20 World Cup as they marched to their first-ever World Cup semifinal with an eight-wun win over Bangladesh in the last Super 8 clash.

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New Zealand Sport News

Rashid Khan Breaks Silence As 'Cheating' Accusation Sours Afghanistan's T20 World Cup Semi-Final Entry

"Afghanistan's Run To T20 World Cup Semi-Finals Will Inspire Youth Back Home": Rashid Khan

Behind Afghanistan's Rise In World Cricket, BCCI, India's 'Hidden Role'

Watch: Thousands Of Fans On Streets As Afghanistan Reach Historic T20 World Cup Semi-finals

"Only Guy Who Put Us In Semifinals Was...": Rashid Khan's Big Tribute To WI Great

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