Afghanistan scripted history in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite being drawn against some of the toughest teams in world cricket, Afghanistan still managed to reach the Super Eight stage of the tournament and followed it up by eliminating the mighty Australia to reach the semi-finals.
As news of Afghanistan reaching the knockouts echoed around, the country went into a state of euphoria. Following the side’s clash against Bangladesh, which confirmed their place in the semis, huge groups of people filled the streets of the country, especially in Kabul, the capital.
Thousands of people also swarmed onto the streets of Nangarhar, the province from which skipper Rashid Khan hails. Furthermore, large screens were installed in intersections in Jalalabad as crowds gathered to watch the games.
A former employee of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Hikmat Hasan, came forward to express how incredible the reaction from the entire country has been after the side qualified for the semis.
"The reaction has been nothing short of incredible. It feels like a dream. In the past three years, there hasn't been an occasion where so many people poured out onto the streets," Hasan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“I visited a cake shop and saw many customers buying cakes with cricketers' and cricket-related names written on them to celebrate at home. It feels surreal; the emotions are indescribable. I'm at a loss for words,” he added.
As the celebrations continue, the Rashid Khan-led side will not be satisfied with just reaching the semi-final. Many have come forward to opine that Afghanistan beating top teams is an upset. However, the team’s consistent performances in the format beg to differ. After exceptional showings throughout the World Cup, the team will set their sights on the upcoming game.
In Semi-Final 1 of the competition, Afghanistan will take on the unbeaten South Africa. Both sides will lock horns at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Thursday, June 27. The winner of the clash will progress to the summit clash and will face the winner of the game between India and England.
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