Afghanistan savours historic T20 WC show; world sings team's praise

Kabul, NT Bureau: Packed with thousands of frenzied fans, the streets in Afghanistan were buzzing with unbridled joy after the Rashid Khan-led side marched into the T20 World Cup semifinals, taking down some of cricket's bigwigs along the way.

The eightrun win over Bangladesh in a Super 8 match helped the Afghans join India, England and South Africa in the last-four stage.

In the process, former champions Australia, who have repeatedly refused to host Afghanistan due to Taliban rule here, were knocked out.

Afghanistan had earlier humbled New Zealand and beaten Australia in a Super 8 clash some days back.

The moment Mustafizur Rehman was trapped leg before by Naveen-ul-Haq, the streets in Khost, Paktia and Kabul began to overflow with fans to celebrate the day. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted pictures from these cities on X "Look, what this success means to us!" posted ACB, attaching pictures from Kabul and Jalalabad.

Another post showed thousands of fans celebrating on the roads, in the balconies of their homes and on the rooftops of shops.

"They know how to celebrate #AfghanAtalan's heroics at the #T20WorldCup!," read the caption. Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar lauded the determination of the Afghan side.

"Afghanistan, your road to the semi-finals has been incredible, overcoming the likes of New Zealand and Australia. Today's win is a testament to your hard work & determination. So proud of your progress. Keep it up!," Tendulkar posted on X.

Former Australia allrounder Tom Moody congratulated the winners. "Wow what a game full of drama and that is an understatement! Congratulations to @ACBofficials a special achievement," Moody posted.