Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024 Full Scorecard

OUT! LBW! AFGHANISTAN HAVE DONE IT! THEY HAVE TURNED THE TABLES UPSIDE DOWN FROM HAVING BACKS AGAINST WALL! They came, they dreamt, they executed and they got the desired result! They defeated the Kiwis, executed an audacious heist against the Aussies and now they are through by defeating Bangladesh in the most historic manner! The celebrations begin from Kabul to Kandahar as Afghanistan advances to the semifinals for the first ever time in the T20 World Cup history. A glorious day for Afghanistan cricket. Naveen-ul-Haq spears in a fuller-length delivery which angles back into the batter from the off stump line, Mustafizur Rahman is rooted in the crease and is trapped on the front foot and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball takes the whisker of the inside edge and pings his front pad. Mustafizur Rahman goes upstairs. UltraEdge comes up and shows that there's no nick when the ball passes through the inside edge. Ball Tracking confirms three reds. OUT it is and Afghanistan creates history by winning this game by 8 runs by DLS method and this means, Australia is officially eliminated from this ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

UPDATE 10.29 am IST (4.59 am GMT) - Mustafizur Rahman is the last man in for Bangladesh. Uh, oh! Mustafizur did walk out to bat but he has to walk right back and the covers are coming on as the rain is really pelting down now. What a difference one single delivery makes in such situations as Bangladesh were ahead of the DLS score before the last delivery and now they are 3 runs behind. Hold on! It's cat and mouse stuff in the middle as the covers are taken off and we will have a prompt restart. This game really isn't for the faint-hearted. There is a bit of a halt before we get going though and Rashid Khan is just having a chat with the umpire. Right then, 9 needed from 8 balls and one wicket left, Naveen-ul-Haq is raring to get going and Mustafizur Rahman is on strike. Let's play...

OUT! CHOPPED ON! NAVEEN-UL-HAQ, YOU BEAUTY! Afghanistan is just a solitary wicket now from the qualification! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls a deceptive slower one from around the stumps and pitches it around off, and nips back it a bit as well. It keeps low and skids through quickly. Taskin Ahmed is deep in his crease and swipes it across the line but gets a thickish inside edge that dismantles the furniture. A sea of raw emotions in the Afghan camp! This game has swung to and fro keeping us all on the edge of the seats.

PUT DOWN! Naveen-ul-Haq gets his right hand to the ball but can't keep a hold of it on his follow-through. A genuine chance gone begging. Full and outside off, Litton Das doesn't read the ball, and looks to drive downtown but plays it early and chips it straight back to Naveen-ul-Haq who reaches for it but eventually shells it and parries it around the mid on region for a single.

The rain is getting heavier now and Bangladesh are currently a run ahead on the DLS method. But the play goes on and this game just keeps on getting more and more intriguing.

Around the wicket this time, on a length and around off, Taskin Ahmed hops on the back foot and slices it past backward point for just a single.

Just a single! Naveen-ul-Haq attacks the off stump on a length, Litton Das backs away from the line of the ball and guides it between cover-point for a single. 11 needed off 11 now.

Naveen-ul-Haq (3-0-23-2) is brought on to bowl the all-important penultimate over.

A dot to end the over. Gulbadin Naib is appealing for caught behind but just for a brief moment. Short and angling on off, Taskin Ahmed goes for a back foot punch beaten on the outside edge.

A bit of a yes and no from the two batters but they don't run. Back of a length, around off, Taskin Ahmed defends it in front of covers and wants a quick run but gets a sendback from Litton Das.

Bowls a leg cutter on a shorter length, and keeps it outside off, Litton Das stands tall in the crease and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller in length from around the stumps, Taskin Ahmed flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

Short and outside off, Litton Das pulls it along the grass to long on for one. The DLS score is now level.

Angling it on the pads, on a good length, Taskin Ahmed misses to connect and the ball takes the thigh pad before rolling to the square leg region. The fielder from short mid-wicket sprints and keeps it to just one. A leg bye taken.

A loud appeal for LBW but turned down. Noor Ahmad is begging to the umpire and they do go upstairs and why not? Noor lands it right in front of the stumps and on a fuller length that turns a shade into the batter after pitching. Litton Das is drawn forward and goes for a front foot defence and wears it on the front pad. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved but dramatically Ball Tracking shows that the impact and the wickets are on umpire's call.

Good length and a googly on off, Litton Das covers the off-pole and dabs it to short third.

Straight and on the stumps, Litton Das defends it off the back foot.

A googly on a short length, outside off, Litton Das leaves.

FOUR! What a crucial boundary this is! Litton Das gets his hard fought 50. He stands between Afghanistan and their aspirations. Full and on the stumps, Litton Das cashes onto it and sweeps it through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

A googly, stays low on the stumps and full in length, Litton Das negotiates well and blocks it off the back foot.

Short in length and over the top of off, Litton Das stands tall with an upright stance and pulls it along the ground towards deep mid-wicket for a single to retain the strike.

Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Taskin Ahmed misses to flick it across and wears it high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards widish square leg and they take a leg bye.

Around the wicket on a shorter length, outside off, Taskin Ahmed ducks underneath it. The umpire signals for a first bounce.

Hits the tight line and a good length, at off, Taskin Ahmed pats it off the outer half of his willow towards point. Dot ball.

Taskin Ahmed is the next man in for Bangladesh.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib with the golden arm! What a belter of a game this is turning out to be! Gulbadin Naib bangs it short and over the top of off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib stands tall in his crease and goes for a cross-batted shot and opens up in his stance. He is quite late on the shot and slices the ball in the air off the outer half of the bat and straight to the safe hands of Mohammad Nabi stationed at covers.

Charges in from over the wicket and takes the pace off, on a length, on off, Litton Das waits for it to come at him and turns it to widish mid on for a quick single.

Gulbadin Naib is back on the field now and will bowl the next over.

Flatter googly around off and turning away, Tanzim Hasan Sakib does well to block it out.

Beaten! Bowled flatter and full around off, turning away, Tanzim Hasan Sakib looks to block off the back foot but the ball beats the outside edge.

On a good length and around off, Litton Das plays it through mid on and picks up a single.

Dropped on a shorter length and around off, Litton Das hangs back and nudges it down with soft hands to short third.

Goes full and wide outside off, Litton Das leaves it alone in hopes of a wide but it is inside the guideline.

Things are getting nervy out in the middle. Looped up, a bit too full and around off, this one dips and Litton Das plays it on the full through mid-wicket. They push for two but Tanzim Hasan Sakib drops his bat and the throw from the deep is at the bowler's end but is a bit late. Noor Ahmad fails to cleanly collect the ball at the non-striker's end.

A bit fuller and at the batter, turning in, Tanzim Hasan Sakib manages to block it off. End of a stellar spell from Rashid Khan as he finishes with 4 for 23 in 4 overs.

Another wrong 'un, on the shorter side and turning back in from outside off, Litton Das presses back and dabs it wide of backward point for another single. Bangladesh are officially out of the semifinals race now, informs the on-air commentator.

Nicely played! Bowled flatter and around off stump, Tanzim Hasan Sakib lets the ball come on and punches it square through cover-point for one more.

Bowled into the pitch and at the batter, Litton Das rocks back and forces the pull without much timing down to long on for a run.

Fractionally short over middle, Litton Das uses the depth of the crease and backs away before pulling it in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

The wrong 'un, pushed through a bit fuller and on the middle stump, Tanzim Hasan Sakib rocks back nicely and punches it with a straight bat down to long on for a single.

Flighted up on the off stump line, Litton Das leans ahead and blocks it down the pitch.

Flatter delivery, bowled around off stump, Tanzim Hasan Sakib rocks back and slaps the ball past the diving cover fielder looking for two but they settle for the single.

We are back again. It was just another passing shower and the players are back on the field to resume the proceedings. We have officially lost 1 over now and the revised target is 114 in 19 overs. Gulbadin Naib hasn't taken the field and Najibullah Zadran is in for him.

UPDATE - Oh, dear! The rain has arrived again and the covers are coming on. Bangladesh are behind by 2 runs in the DLS method and as it stands, Afghanistan will go through. It was a slight drizzle early on and the umpires were adamant to keep the play going before Gulbadin Naib at first slipped down on the ground holding his hamstring and Rashid Khan was absolutely livid with that act. The fact of the matter is the umpires might have called the covers on anyway but there was a signal from the Afghanistan dugout to slow things down. A real grey area this but eventually, play has come to a halt once again and Bangladesh are as much the guilty party as they lost two successive wickets.

And again! Comes from around the stumps, bowling it flat and full, drifting in from around off and turning away. Tanzim Hasan Sakib presses back and plays inside the line.

Beaten again! Floated up nicely around off stump and turning away from the right-hander. Tanzim Hasan Sakib plays and misses.

A wrong'un from Noor Ahmad, bowled flatter and around off stump, zipping away, Tanzim Hasan Sakib gets squared up and beaten past the outside edge.

Floats it up, a bit full and on leg stump, Litton Das gets a leading edge onto the off side and picks up a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib is the new batter in.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Rashid Khan, you beauty! The Afghan skipper might be single-handedly dragging them into the semifinals here, what an effort. Rashid dishes out yet another googly and floats it up on the off stump. Rishad Hossain sits down to swipe across the line but is beaten all ends up by the turn into him and Rishad hears the death rattle behind him. Afghanistan on top of proceedings now.

Rishad Hossain is the next batter for Bangladesh.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What a review! No one other than the keeper was sure about it but Rashid Khan took the risk and it paid off big time. Rashid tosses the ball up full and around off, it is the wrong'un that dips and turns in a bit. Mahmudullah looks to reach out and hammers it through covers but is beaten past the outside edge. The substitute keeper, Mohammad Ishaq pouches it and appeals but it is turned down. The third umpire is called in and there is a spike on UltraEdge.

Shorter in length and over the stumps, Litton Das backs away and pulls it firmly through mid-wicket for just another single.

On a dragged length around the off stump line, Litton Das goes on the back foot and dabs it down to short third.

On a fuller length on off stump, Mahmudullah watchfully plays it away past the point region for just one more. It seems Bangladesh have accepted their fate and just won to win the game rather than go for broke and push for that coveted semifinal berth.

Drags it down a bit bowling it flatter on the stumps, Litton Das rocks back and swats it down to long on for a single.

Drinks break! Well then, after 10 overs of the run chase, still all three teams are in with a chance. Afghanistan need 5 more wickets to win whereas Bangladesh need 39 runs in just 2.1 overs if they want to qualify but if they get to those 39 runs even after the stipulated time, Afghanistan will be knocked out. This is the last recognized batting pair for Bangladesh but the next couple of batters can strike a ball and Rashid Khan will be aware of that. It will be interesting to see how Rashid and co attack now.

Full on the off stump. Mahmudullah looks to chip in the leg side but gets a leading edge towards covers where Rashid Khan fumbles but manages to restrict them from taking a single with a quick recovery.

Length ball outside the off stump, Mahmudullah works it off the back foot to short third man.

FOUR! Excellent placement! Serves a half volley on off, Mahmudullah reaches to it with a huge stride forward and caresses the drive through covers for a boundary.

Fuller on the middle stump, Mahmudullah gets forward and turns it to the leg side. Noor runs and dives to his right to stop the ball.

Good length outside the off stump, this is pushed straight to short third man by Mahmudullah.

A googly on a length from over the wicket, turning away a bit from off, Mahmudullah gets beaten on the cut shot.

Noor Ahmad is now brought into the attack.

FOUR! What a shot! Two-in-two for Litton Das. A wrong'un outside off, on a good length, Litton Das quickly uses the depth of the crease and cuts it late and very fine towards the vacant deep third for a boundary.

FOUR! Absolute belter from Litton Das! Regular leg-spinner outside off, Litton Das charges down the track and flat-bats it over mid off for a boundary.

Quicker one on a shortish length and outside off, Litton Das goes for a cut shot but misses.

Flatter one, bowled a tad full and around off, Mahmudullah rocks back and dabs it late behind backward point for a quick single.

Mahmudullah is the new man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Rashid does it again. He is such a key weapon for this Afghan outfit! Bowls a flipper on a fullish length, it skids and bounces as well around off, Towhid Hridoy premeditates and sits down on his knee to slog it over but hits it with no real timing on it and against the wind. As a result, the ball hangs up and swirls high in the air and carries towards deep mid-wicket region where Ibrahim Zadran runs in a couple of yards and takes a good catch. This is Rashid's 150th T20I wicket.

Googly turning on the leg stump line, Litton Das sits for a sweep but it brushes off his pads towards widish short fine for a leg bye.

Full and on the off stump line, Towhid Hridoy steers it to deep mid-wicket for a brace. Bangladesh now need 53 off the next 4.1 overs to qualify.

FOUR! Gets one off the middle of the bat now. Tossed up in the slot and on the stumps, Towhid Hridoy gets down on one knee and smacks it one-bounce and over the ropes between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for four more.

FOUR! Oh, another error in the field and the luck is going Bangladesh's way. This is flighted up on a length on the stumps, Towhid Hridoy sits down to sweep again but gets a top edge that goes over short third. Noor Ahmad chases it down and slides in to pull it back in but fumbles and the ball trickles into the fence.

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Noor Ahmad overran to grab that! Good length turning in from outside off, Towhid Hridoy goes for a pull shot but slices it up in the air behind the keeper. Noor Ahmad runs a mile to the deep from short fine but fails to hold onto it. Two taken.

Slower through the air on off, turning into the batter, Towhid Hridoy goes back and across and punches it straight towards covers.

Shade full in length, around off, skids through quickly as well. Towhid Hridoy pats it back to the bowler.

Tossed up around the stumps, Towhid Hridoy leans and steers it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

50 up for Bangladesh! A googly around off, Litton Das pushes it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and turning away outside off, Towhid Hridoy hangs back and cuts it to deep point for one.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Rashid Khan strikes in his first over and Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket now. A conventional leg break on a shortish length, it skids through quickly, right in the front of the wickets. Soumya Sarkar is caught off guard as the ball comes too quickly after pitching and he fails to connect to the tuck across towards the leg side. The ball breaks into the stumps sneaking past the willow's edge.

Towhid Hridoy walks in at number 6.

WIDE! Turns and drifts it down the leg side. Soumya Sarkar misses to clip it to the leg side. Wide given.

Tossed up down the leg side. Soumya Sarkar goes for a slog sweep once again but it clips on the pads.

Short from Rashid, outside off, Litton Das sits and drags it down to long on for one.

Flighted off-break on a good length, around off, Soumya Sarkar gets low and attempts a sweep but misses.

Tossed up middle, Litton Das slogs it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Drama of high intensity here! Short and on the stumps, Soumya Sarkar steers it off the inner half of the willow to the leg side just near the wicket-keeper. Mohammad Ishaq collects the ball on the bounce and hits the stumps in a go but Soumya Sarkar has his feet grounded. The ball deflects from the stumps and rolls to the point region allowing them to take a single.

Just short of Fazalhaq Farooqi. Round the wicket, on a length, at the stumps, Soumya Sarkar goes for a reverse sweep but gets it off the top edge that falls just short ahead of Fazalhaq Farooqi at short third.

This one sharply turns in on a length, on the middle, Litton Das goes back and across quickly and cuts it late to short third for a quick single. A throw at the non-striker's end and a good backup.

Slower through the air, full and on off, Litton Das plants his front leg ahead and eases it to the right of the bowler. Mohammad Nabi chases the ball to his right and restricts the single.

Mohammad Nabi comes in to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. Also, given we have had five overs of play, if the rain comes now, it will do neither side any good as Bangladesh are ahead on DLS method but their NRR wouldn't improve enough.

Hard length around middle and angling in, Litton Das walks inside the line of the ball and hits it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

On a good length and outside off, Litton Das moves across to the off side and takes on the lofted shot, not timing it perfectly but enough to get it over mid off. The ball plugs in the outfield and they get a couple of runs more.

Good comeback delivery from Naveen! Goes pace on, bowling it full and in the channel around off stump and angling back in. Litton Das looks to drive but is beaten.

FOUR! Good shot! Litton Das comes down the pitch and Naveen-ul-Haq bangs it in short and outside off. Das does well to reach the ball and uppercuts it over the backward point region for a handy boundary.

Nicely bowled again! Another slower one, bowled fuller and wider of the off stump, Litton Das tries to reach out but fails to get any bat on it.

No run there! Takes pace off and bowls it a tad fuller outside off and angles it back in, Litton Das punches it sweetly but straight to covers.

Pitched up around middle and leg, Soumya Sarkar walks into the shot and gets inside the line a bit before flicking it up and over the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Floated up on a good length and wide of the off stump, Litton Das reaches out and taps the ball wide of the man at deep third for one more.

Good, positive running from the batters! Back of a length and around off stump, bouncing a bit extra, Soumya Sarkar hops back and dabs it down in front of point and runs a single.

Comes from around the stumps and pitches it up outside off, taking some pace off as well. Litton Das lets the ball come on and just guides it wide of backward point for a single.

We are back! The rain has finally stopped now and the Afghan players are taking their fielding positions. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar to resume their innings. Fazalhaq Farooqi will continue with his second over. A reminder again, that Bangladesh will need to chase this target down in 12.1 overs or before to qualify if there's no further stoppage due to rain.

UPDATE - 8.57 am IST (3.27 am GMT) - There is good news from the ground as the rain has stopped. The time for restart is 9.13 am IST (3.43 am GMT) which is about 15 minutes away. So, grab a cup of coffee and get strapped in as this crucial encounter continues to provide high drama. Also, we still haven't lost any over which is a good thing. If the rain does arrive again then the least Bangladesh need to get a win is to be 35 for 3 at the end of 5 overs which is the DLS par score but that won't see them through and only allow Australia to scrape through.

UPDATE - 8.45 am IST (3.15 am GMT) - Uh, oh! The drizzle is getting heavier now. The players sprint towards their respective dugouts, and the groundsmen rush with the covers to protect the strip. The squares are also getting covered with white sheets all over the ground now. There is a heavy breeze which seems to be moving the rain clouds out of the vicinity for now which could be good news. However, as per the on-air commentators, there's a forecast for heavy to very heavy rainfall later on as well. All we can do is hope for the best and rain to supersede. Stay tuned for further updates.

WIDE! The attempted slower ball, spilled full and down the leg side for a wide.

A direct hit might have been tight! Back of a length and around off stump, Soumya Sarkar taps the ball towards backward point and sets off for the single. Azmatullah Omarzai picks up the ball and has a shy at the batter's end but misses. Also, it has started to drizzle but the umpires play on for now.

FOUR! Picked-up and dispatched! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves a bit of a half-volley on the pads, Soumya Sarkar takes it on and flicks it high and in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

WIDE! Pitched up on leg stump and swinging down the leg side, wide called.

No hat-trick but a momentum-shifting over from Naveen-ul-Haq nonetheless. This is pitched up on the off stump, just nipping away a bit. Soumya Sarkar tentatively plays at it and edges it down with soft hands to third man for a single.

Soumya Sarkar is the new batter in at number 5 and will face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Naveen-ul-Haq manages to hang on and he's got two in two! Slower delivery, floated up at the stumps, Shakib Al Hasan leans on and looks to flick across the line but closes the bat's face way too early. The ball goes off the leading edge and back to the bowler who shows good reflexes on the follow-through and after parrying the ball on the first attempt, keeps his cool to snaffle it on the second attempt. Afghan players are all pumped and why not? Naveen-ul-Haq has just provided an inroad for his team and is on a hat-trick now. Bangladesh is a spot of bother now.

The vastly experienced Bangladeshi veteran, Shakib Al Hasan is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and Afghanistan have their second wicket. Naveen-ul-Haq stays around the wicket and pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Najmul Hossain Shanto stays back and looks to drag the slog over deep mid-wicket but gets no timing on it whatsoever. The ball flies down to Mohammad Nabi in the deep and he makes no mistake with an easy grab.

Slower one, bowled full and outside off stump, Najmul Hossain Shanto looks to drive it away but is beaten by the lack of pace.

FOUR! Nicely struck! Just short of a good length around off and in the hitting arc, Najmul Hossain Shanto gets across a bit and pulls it flat towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

NOT OUT! Both teams have now lost an early review. Naveen-ul-Haq goes wider on the crease and angles it back in on a good length and into the pads. Litton Das gets squared up a bit and the ball crashes into the pads before rolling away. The batters pick up a leg bye and the appeal for the LBW is turned down. Rashid Khan is forced into reviewing this one and in the end, Ball Tracking shows that it would have missed leg stump.

Is that out? Afghanistan has challenged the on-field decision for LBW. UltraEdge shows that there's a clear gap between the bat and the ball. Ball Tracking confirms that the Impact is in line but the ball is missing the leg stump by a fair extent. NOT OUT.

Swing and a miss! Pitched up full and outside off, gets that big inswinger going away and Najmul Hossain Shanto is drawn into the expansive drive but is well beaten.

Good length on the stumps and angling across, Litton Das walks across to the off side and looks to paddle it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls behind square leg. They get a single.

Pitched-up delivery, looking to swing it back in from the off stump, Najmul Hossain Shanto plays it on the up and towards mid on for a single.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the skipper of Bangladesh walks out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! LBW! A lovely inswinger from Fazalhaq Farooqi and after a prolonged appeal, the umpire's finger goes up for the LBW. Tanzid Hasan has a long chat with Litton Das and reviews it at the last second. Getting to the delivery, Farooqi bowls it on a good length around off stump and gets the ball to just nip back in quickly after pitching. Tanzid with a wild hoick across the line doesn't get even near it. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows three reds and the onfield decision is upheld. Farooqi now has the most wickets ever in a single T20 World Cup as he picks up his 16th of the tournament.

Bowled back of a length and around off stump, Litton Das taps the ball out in front of point for an easy single.

Starts off on a much straighter line and swings it back onto the pads. Litton Das misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads between the keeper and short fine leg. The ball plugs and the batters pick up a couple of leg byes.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is agonizing in pain as he has taken a hit on his left knee as the ball stayed dramatically low and reached him on a couple of bounces. The physio is out there to check him up. The other Afghan players surround him while he gets treated with the magic spray. Oh, no, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is walking off the field grimacing and limping in immense pain supported by the physio. Mohammad Ishaq has replaced Gurbaz as the backup wicket-keeper. Fazalhaq Farooqi to bowl the second over of the chase.

Oh, dear! The ball seems to have died down on its way to the keeper and struck Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the knee cap. Slower one, pitched up a bit and outside off, Litton Das looks to drive but is beaten and the ball rolls off the keeper to backward point as they get a bye. The physio is out to have a look and hopefully, Gurbaz is fine.

SIX! Wow, that has been crunched! Wider on the crease and angled back in on a fuller length around off. Litton Das is quick to walk past the off stump and whacks the ball well beyond deep mid-wicket for 91-meter biggie.

FOUR! Streaky but will do nicely for Litton Das and Bangladesh. Pitched up well wide of the off stump, Das goes after it and gets a big top edge that flies down to deep third for a boundary.

Tidy fielding from Karim Janat. On a dragged length and at the body, Tanzid Hasan tries to get inside the line but gets it off the thigh pad fine of short third and picks up a leg bye.

Switches to around the stumps now to the left-hander and gets it to swing away from middle and leg. It is on a good length and Tanzid Hasan blocks it off the front foot to covers.

Off the mark right away! Naveen-ul-Haq comes from over the stumps to the right-hander and bowls it full and outside off stump. Litton Das taps it on the up to mid off and gets across for the quick single.

SIX! BANG! A signature shot from Rashid Khan to end the innings and could that be a telling blow for Bangladesh as the rain now comes pouring down and the players rush off the field? Tanzim Hasan Sakib looks to go full and straight but Rashid is deep in the crease and ready for it, Rashid whips the ball across the line and dispatches it onto the roof over the mid-wicket fence for a mammoth biggie. Afghanistan finish with 115/5!

Nicely bowled! A leg cutter now, pitched up outside off stump, Rashid Khan shuffles across to slog it away but misses and wears it on the body.

Just the single! Full and straight at the stumps, Karim Janat drills the ball down to long on for a run.

Have you ever seen that? Rashid Khan has thrown his bat at his partner and is livid with Karim Janat for denying the second run. This is pitched up around off stump, Rashid Khan hangs deep and throws his bat at it and ends up slicing the ball high and to the left of the cover fielder inside the ring. Mahmudullah moves across to his left, crouches a bit but the ball falls safely next to him. It gets deflected off his knees to point and seeing that Rashid turns for the second run. But to his disappointment, Karim is not going anywhere and that results in Rashid throwing his bat at his partner in frustration. That didn't look good. You need to compose yourself even when the situation is tough. Anyway, Janat has calmly walked up to his skipper and handed him his bat. The on-air commentators are finding some comic relief in it but we are finding none. A player of Rashid's stature especially, who's an inspiration for many, must have avoided that ugly moment. Anyway, let's move on.

SIX! That has been put away over the ropes! Banged in a bit short and wide of the off stump, Rashid Khan hangs back and slaps the ball up and over the cover region for a biggie.

Excellent fielding from Najmul Hossain Shanto. Hard length outside off, Karim Janat hangs back and slaps the ball flat over mid off but Shanto leaps up and gets a hand on it. The ball rolls behind and Rashid Khan opts to take just the single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-0-21-0) will bowl the final over of the first innings. More drama to the proceedings as it has now begun to drizzle out there and the ground staff is ready with the covers behind the ropes.

Wow, another play and a miss and just one run comes off the penultimate over. Another slower delivery, back of a length and angled across the off stump, Rashid Khan throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect.

Slower one, the cutter that goes away from the right-hander. This is bowled on a length and angled well across the off stump. Rashid Khan slashes and misses.

A bit of cat and mouse between the bowler and batter. Rashid Khan moves in the crease and walks past the outside off, Mustafizur Rahman follows him with a slow and wide one. Rashid doesn't quite keep his shape and fails to play it over the off side and no wide is signaled either.

Rolls his fingers across the ball and angles it away from the off stump, Rashid Khan looks to loft it over the off side but misses.

Shorter this time and at the batter's body, Karim Janat manages to fend it away towards short fine leg for a single. The 100 is finally up for Afghanistan.

Nicely bowled! Slightly back of a length over middle, some additional bounce and nipping back in off the deck as well. Karim Janat gets pegged back and beaten on the inside edge while looking to work it away.

Mustafizur Rahman (3-0-16-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

SIX! Rashid Khan connects and connects well! Just short of a good length and over the stumps, Khan clears the front leg and keeps a stable base before whipping it away over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Rashid Khan looks to get across and pull but is beaten.

The Afghan skipper, Rashid Khan comes out at number 7. Will he bail his team out of a precarious condition towards the back end? Let's find out...

OUT! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed built up enough pressure in those first three deliveries and is now rewarded with a wicket. Not quite short from Taskin rather just hammered in on a hard length around off stump. Mohammad Nabi looks to stay put and smash it across the line with sort of a horizontal bat but is late on the shot and the ball gets lofted away off the top edge in front of mid off. Najmul Hossain Shanto calls for it and takes a simple catch.

A third short ball in a row and the result is exactly the same and Bangladesh are loving it. Banged in short and around off stump, angling back in, Nabi pulls and misses yet again.

Another one that is dug in short with intent and angled in from around off stump, Mohammad Nabi takes on the pull but fails to connect once more.

Starts off with a quick bumper and bowls it right at the batter, Mohammad Nabi tries to take it on but is beaten for pace and bounce.

FOUR! That is some shot! Tossed up again and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and smashes the ball away through extra cover for a boundary. End of an entertaining over.

Beautifully bowled! Nicely tossed up, drifting onto off and middle, turning away as well, Karim Janat gets an outside edge just wide of first slip.

Karim Janat is in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch from Soumya Sarkar and Rishad Hossain has his third wicket. Nicely tossed up around off, just drifting enough and turning away. Gulbadin Naib looks to slog it across the line and against the turn. The ball is sliced up in the air over the cover region and hangs for a bit. Soumya Sarkar covers a lot of ground as he comes charging in from the deep extra covers, and dives forward, holding onto the catch with his left hand even as he thuds onto the ground. A dramatic collapse for Afghanistan and they look distraught in the dugout.

Swing and a miss! This is floated up on a length outside off and turning further away, Gulbadin Naib sits down for the big heave across the line but misses.

Tossed up full and on off stump, Mohammad Nabi hammers it flat and on the bounce to long off for a single.

'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rishad Hossain with the big strike and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is left in disbelief. Rishad dishes out the leg break and bowls it full and wide of the off stump, just getting some bite off the surface. Gurbaz stays back and reaches out before slashing the ball aerially to sweeper cover and Soumya Sarkar takes a simple catch.

FOUR! Hammered away! Too full and in the slot around off, Gulbadin Naib hangs back and just swats the ball along the ground into the long off fence for a much-needed boundary.

Gulbadin Naib is in at number 4.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Good review from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman gets a timely wicket. Fizz uses those lovely wrists of his and bowls it on a good length in the channel. The ball angles away but bounces a bit extra as well. Azmatullah Omarzai is pressed back and has a poke at it but the ball seems to have gone past the outside edge. There is a noise and the keeper goes up to appeal it but it is turned down. On reviewing, UltraEdge shows that the ball did take the toe end of the bat and Azmat has to walk back.

What happened there? A comedy of errors out in the middle and that is poor cricket from both sides. Slightly back of a length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it wide of backward point and they start running. Gurbaz stays put though and Azmatullah Omarzai finds himself beside Gurbaz at the batter's end. The two are stranded at the batter's end with immense confusion. Rahmanullah Gurbaz slips in the process but eventually reaches to the non-striker's enda as Rishad Hossain picks up the ball and throws it at the wrong end and misses the stumps at the keeper's end. The throw is wide and they eventually manage to get the single.

Shortens the length and bowls it over off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans back and just angles the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of runs.

Swing and a miss! This is bowled quite full and close to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to heave it away but is well beaten.

Pitched up wide of the off stump, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out and jams it back onto the deck and the ball rolls to the off side. They get a single.

Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a step forward and drives it to the bowler again.

Tossed up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down to the pitch of the ball and eases it back to the right of the bowler.

Short on the middle stump, Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it off the back foot straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to backward point. Mahmudullah runs to his left from covers and stops it but couldn't restrict the double.

Drifting in on the pads, and a shade shorter in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses the depth of the crease, and nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Shakib almost plucked that out of thin air! Shakib Al Hasan lands it short in length, and cramps Azmat for room on the stumps, Azmatullah Omarzai goes back and across and tries to go downtown but plays it too close to the body for that shot, and slices it to the left of the bowler in the air. Shakib Al Hasan moves to his left and leaps full-stretched in the air but fails to get his left hand on the ball. The ball lands around the mid off region and a single is taken.

FOUR! Nice shot! Full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles again and sweeps it behind the square and gets it through the deep square leg fielder who sprints to his right for a boundary.

Full and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.

Full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it on the front foot to covers.

FOUR! A respite for Gurbaz with that boundary! A four after 39 deliveries. Offers some width outside off, full in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets ahead and extends his arms and drives it through backward point for a boundary.

Full and wide of off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to deep extra covers for one.

Valiant effort! Full in length and outside off, with a good amount of revs on it, Azmatullah Omarzai clears his front leg but slices it up in the night sky. The ball balloons but over covers and is hit into the wind which gives some backspin to the ball as well. The fielder sprints in from the deep and puts in a dive forward but doesn't quite manage to get to the ball. Two taken.

Good length on the outside off, angling back in. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it towards Shakib to end another quiet over.

Full on the middle stump. Azmatullah Omarzai gets ahead and knocks it down at long on for a single.

Good length outside the leg stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes some room and drags it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Full and just outside off, pushed firmly off the front foot past the bowler to mid off.

Fuller in length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai lunges forward and drives towards long off for one.

The dot balls continue to pour in! Flights it up with the arm, closer to the off-pole, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it straight to backward point.

A maiden over from Taskin Ahmed! Good length and in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.

Back of a length with an extra bit of bounce outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lets it go.

Bangs it short and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and goes for a ramp shot over the short third but misses.

Full and outside off this time, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it straight to covers.

Good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays a cross-batted shot but finds backward point again.

Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it to backward point off the back foot.

Leg-break, full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai lunges ahead with a good stride and gets beaten on the outside edge. Litton Das collects it behind the wickets cleanly and flashes the bails in a jiffy. The side-on replay shows that Azmat's back foot is well grounded inside the popping crease when the stumps are broken. NOT OUT appears on the giant screen.

Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it confidently but finds covers.

Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! There's the breakthrough Bangladesh was desperately searching for! Ibrahim Zadran departs on 18. Floats it up, full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran gets a stride forward and goes big for a slog into the stands, but doesn't quite times it right and slices it over mid off. The ball swirls up in the air for a long time, Tanzim Hasan Sakib from long off sprints forward and takes a brilliant catch.

Oh, the bat comes off from the hands! Pitched up and turning away from off, Ibrahim Zadran sits for a slog sweep and tries to hit it too hard but doesn't connect at all and gets beaten. The bat slips out of his hands and flies near square leg.

Closer to the batter on a length, Ibrahim Zadran hits it back to the bowler oft the back foot.

Short, on top of middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid on for a single.

Drinks break! The bowlers of Bangladesh have been right on the money and have asked all the tough questions to the opposition batters of Afghanistan, consistently beating the outside edges of the willow. But they just haven't found that breakthrough yet. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have negotiated those vicious deliveries and are crawling around run a ball. They have compensated those boundaries by excellent running between the wickets, turning singles into doubles. Bangladesh is in dire need to get that success and would want it as quickly as possible.

One more to end the over and Afghanistan are 58/0 at the halfway mark. Pitched up at the stumps again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes forward and pushes it gently to mid off before setting off for the quick single.

Good follow-up delivery as well. Dishes out the slower one, bowling it up at the batter and inviting the drive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early in the shot and plays it uppishly in front of the cover fielder.

Swing and a miss! This is dug in shorter and over off stump, angling across due to the wobble seam and this one flies through off the deck. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull but is well beaten.

Back of a length again and around off, a bit more on the shorter side, Ibrahim Zadran lets the ball come on and dabs it down to deep third for a single.

Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and pulls it firmly towards deep square leg for one more.

Excellent hand on that one! Back of a length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall, gets on top of the bounce, and punches it square in front of point where Rishad Hossain makes a fine stop and keeps it down to just a single.

Floated up on middle and leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.

On the shorter side and pushed wide of the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and taps it past the point region for a single.

THREE WIDES! Looks to float one on the legs but gets it down leg, Ibrahim Zadran misses the paddle and the keeper lets it through as the batters pick up a couple of runs.

Floated up on the stumps, blocked out by Ibrahim Zadran.

Beauty! Nagging length, drifted in from outside off and turning away sharply after pitching, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play off the back foot but is beaten past the outside edge.

The call is for two again but this time they won't get it, however, it's another 50-run stand between these two. On the stumps, worked away through mid-wicket for a single. This is the fourth 50-run opening stand for Afghanistan in this tournament. The most by any opening pair in the 17-year history of the T20 World Cups.

Starts with a bit of a drag-down on off stump, this one turns away and Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it away in between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Good pace and bounce and Bangladesh just aren't able to find those outside edges. Just short of a good length and around off stump, shooting off the deck, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it but is beaten.

Back of a length and outside off, moving away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it with an angled bat wide of deep third and picks up a single.

On a good length and around off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to the left ofn the bowler.

FIVE WIDES! Oh, this is just frustrating for Bangladesh and highly unnecessary. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one in well short and over the middle, the ball flies off the deck and Litton Das leaps up getting a glove on it but it runs away to the fence.

The call is for two and they get it with ease! Bowled a bit fuller and on the pads, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.

Back of a length again and angling across the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on his toes and guides it down to deep third for a single.

Back of a length and outside off stump, Ibrahim Zadran latches onto the width and hammers it away wide of deep cover for a couple of easy runs.

SIX! BANG! Shakib Al Hasan offers a bit more air and tosses it up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes it right back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Sliding it onto the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to work it away but plays around it and gets hit on the pads.

Flighted up a bit fuller and around off stump, Ibrahim Zadran plays it out in front of covers for another quick single.

Excellent running yet again and in the end, it could have been a run out. Slower one, drifting into the middle and leg and turning away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it in front of point and sets off for the single. The throw at the keeper's end is wide and Gurbaz wants to come back for two but is sent back in time.

Short and on off stump, sitting up for the batter, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and punches it firmly towards sweeper cover for a single.

Flighted ball, full and drifted onto middle, Ibrahim Zadran plays it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.

A beauty to end the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 27/0! Just short of a good length and on a tight line around off stump, shooting off the deck and going straight on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets taken aback as the ball zips past his outside edge.

A tad fuller and around the top of off, no room to work with, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers the line and taps the ball in front of covers.

Pitched up in the channel outside off and slanting across, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at that one.

FOUR! Poor line from the Fizz and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does enough. This is banged in short and just down the leg side, Gurbaz gets inside the line and gets a top edge while attempting the pull and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.

Halt! Gurbaz has taken a hit straight on the right shoulder and looks uneasy. The physio rushes in to check him up. And as always, the magic spray does its job and Gurbaz is ready to continue.

Ouch! Rahmanullah Gurbaz trying to manufacture a shot there but takes a stinging blow just near the right shoulder. This is dug in a bit short and angled well across the off stump, Gurbaz shuffles across to muscle it towards the leg side but gets it off the body in front of point and seems to be in some pain as well.

Nicely bowled first up! On a good length around off and cutting across the right-hander, not too much though, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays inside the line as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Mustafizur Rahman is introduced into the attack now.

Tossed up outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges forward and drive it to long off for a single.

Slightly short in length this time from Shakib, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a back foot punch but hits it uppishly and falls just on one bounce ahead of mid on.

Flighted one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto the ball and drives it along the carpet for a single to long off.

DROPPED! Not an easy chance though as it was hit so hard! Pulls his length a shade and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran transfers his weight on the back foot and slashes it flat and straight towards Towhid Hridoy at covers who gets his hands on the ball but eventually shells it.

Slows it up on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran strides ahead and defends it back to the bowler.

Around the stumps, and drifting in with the arm on a length, around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran plays over the line and wears it on the thigh pad.

Back of a length again, a shy outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back on the back foot and eases it off in front of cover-point. Bangladesh bowlers have been excellent so far with their lines and lengths. Just 5 from this over.

Calls for two and gets it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for the third but gets a sendback from Ibrahim! Good length, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it across towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.

Good bounce and carry! Taskin Ahmed charges it, bends his back and bangs it into the pitch, short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sways away from the line and lets it go. Litton Das collects it overhead behind the stumps.

Drop and run! Good running between the wickets! Hard length, nipping into the batter on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and hurries back for the second.

Trying too hard here! Pitches it up and over the middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to hoick it across but misses to connect.

Shade outside off on a hard length, Ibrahim Zadran tries to hit it on the up through covers but slices it off the outer half of the bat towards deep third for a single.

A quick single to end the third. Angles it a bit closer to the body, on a good length, Ibrahim Zadran is on the back foot and punches it across towards widish mid on for a quick single to retain the strike.

Length-delivery on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and punches it to the off side.

Short in length, well outside off, Ibrahim Zadran slashes hard but misses.

FOUR! This time he connects well and gets it through! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall, hits it on the up and uppishly through the gap between the covers and mid off for a boundary.

FOUR BYES! That took off from the surface! Short one again, but going over the batter's head, and even above the leaping Litton Das behind the stumps. Four byes.

Short with that extra bounce, Ibrahim Zadran reaches it to outside off and guides it past backward point for a brace.

Good length, angling on off, Ibrahim Zadran couldn't read it well, and it stays low too. Ibrahim gets beaten on the inside edge and Litton Das fails to collect it cleanly on a bounce and rolls it to the short fine region. A bye taken.

Bowling fire at the moment Taskin! Pitches it around off and nips it away on a good length, gets that extra bounce once again. Ibrahim Zadran goes for a back foot punch but gets beaten with the movement.

Continues from over the stumps, bowls it on a length, angling on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers his stumps and hops before tucking it to widish square leg for a single.

BEATEN AGAIN! Errs in a length, in the channel of uncertainty, with an extra bit of bounce around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Hits the deck hard, around off and angling in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back and pats it solidly to the off side.

Good bounce and carry for Taskin first up! Steams in from over the stumps, hurls it on a length, outside off, nipping away a shy as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes fishing at it on the back foot and gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.

Taskin Ahmed to steam in from the other end.

Hits the hard length, angling in on the off stump line, Rahmanullah Gurbaz prods ahead and crisply drives it straight down to the right of mid off and takes an easy single. 3 from the first over.

Swing and a miss! Length ball outside off, with a bit of a lateral movement, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to lift it over mid off but misses. It passes just above the stumps and carries through to the keeper.

Good length, in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms.

Ibrahim is underway too! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rides on the up and guides it through backward point for a single as the fielder in the 30-yard circle misfields and allows them to cross.

Short in length and outside off, swinging further away, Ibrahim Zadran throws his hands at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Drama first up! Tanzim steams in from over the wickets and hits the deck hard, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops back and tucks it with soft hands in front of mid-wicket and straight away calls for a single. He charges to the non-striker's end but has to put in a full-stretched dive to get home. The fielder scores a direct hit at the runner's end but the replay shows that Gurbaz is in.

Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is time to get this crucial encounter underway. The umpires are out in the middle and the players of Bangladesh huddle up before taking their places on the field as well. It will be that dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...

We aren't far away from the start of the game but first, it is time for the national anthems. The two sets of players are out in the middle and it will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first followed by that of Afghanistan.

Shakib Al Hasan is up for a flash interview. He says it's an important game and they have a slim chance and will fight hard. He adds that they have nothing to lose. Says bowling wise he says he's not at his best but it can happen to anyone in the world. Overall, he thinks they have played decent cricket. Also says that in crucial tournaments like these, you need to be at your best which, they haven't. Further adds and ends up by saying that it has been tough for the batters and the bowlers need to bowl at the right areas to get success.

PITCH REPORT - Lisa Sthalekar is pitchside and starts by saying that the weather has cooled down but it is quite sticky given the humidity. Adds that the long hit is down the ground with 80 meters. Mpumelelo Mbangwa says that it is a used pitch and on the outside, it looks to have good bounce and carry but it isn't quite as it seems and the bowlers will have a good time bowling on it.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh says they would have bowled first so he's happy. Adds that it's an important game for them and they will have to win but stay calm and focused on the field. Says they need to execute their plans well. Also mentions that the bowling unit has been doing a good job and expects them to continue doing the same but also adds that it is crucial how they bat in this game. Informs two changes as Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed come in for Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan.

Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan says that they would like to bat first given the conditions. Adds that it is a proud moment for them as a team and have a great opportunity to get into the semis and it is all about getting the basics right and enjoying their games. Mentions that the team is pretty energized with that win against Australia and the mindset is also really positive. Informs that they are going with the same team.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed (In for Mahedi Hasan), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favor of Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan elects to BAT first.

Well, the equations have been drawn for both sides. Afghanistan has incredible form and confidence on their side and will stride out as the probable favorites in this clash, and even a washout will do for them to advance to the next stage. For Bangladesh, they need nothing less than a miracle to turn things around as they will have to win by 61 runs or more or chase the target down in 13 overs or less to qualify, which, in high probability looks too far-stretched to achieve. Who will have the upper hand? Only time will tell. Stick around for the toss and team updates, which are coming up shortly.

In stark contrast, Bangladesh's World Cup journey has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Despite arriving with sky-high expectations, they've struggled to find their groove. Sure, they had a decent run in the league stage, outmaneuvering Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Netherlands to sneak into the Super 8s. But since then, it's been a steep downhill slide, with crushing defeats to India and Australia leaving them in dire straits. Their batting has been their albatross, with the top order struggling to get out of first gear. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been a shadow of himself, save for his innings against India, and even the seasoned campaigner Shakib Al Hasan has found himself in a rut. While there have been flickers of life in the middle order, it's a case of too little, too late. The silver lining for Bangladesh has been their bowling attack, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain consistently keeping the wicket column ticking. With their semifinal dreams almost up in smoke, Bangladesh will be itching to bow out on a high note and play spoilsport to Afghanistan's aspirations.

Afghanistan's stars have aligned after Australia's jaw-dropping stumble against India earlier - talk about a game for the ages! Rashid Khan's squad has been on a rampage, first toppling the Kiwis, then rebounding from a couple of setbacks against the West Indies and India. But their crowning glory came when they took the wind out of Australia's sails in a match that left everyone pinching themselves. Now, with the semis within reach, they just need to clear one last hurdle. Their batting lineup's been a revelation, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz wielding his willow like a wizard. Ibrahim Zadran has been as dependable as well up top. But the team will expect more from the willows of Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi. Gulbadin Naib turned into a one-man wrecking crew against the Aussies, snaring four wickets and flexing his batting prowess. Fazalhaq Farooqi's been a wicket magnet, leading the tournament's bowling charts. If his compatriots, including the spin sensations Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, can keep the pressure hissing and bag a few more scalps, Afghanistan might just script the ultimate story. They're on the brink of etching their names in cricketing folklore!

Hello and a very warm welcome to our coverage of the final clash of the Super 8s of this 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. We are at the Arnos Vale Ground at St. Vincent for the highly anticipated contest between the Asian underdogs, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. With three teams having already punched their tickets to the semis, this is essentially a do-or-die situation for Afghanistan as only a victory will secure their spot in the semifinals from Group 1.

... MATCH DAY ...

Afghanistan's first-ever win over Australia in international cricket was historic in every sense of the word and it blew Group 1 of the Super 8s wide open. In the final game of the Super 8s, Afghanistan face Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent. If Afghanistan win this match and India beat Australia, both victors will advance to the semi-finals. In doing so, they will knock out both Australia and Bangladesh. Reflecting on their last game against Australia, the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran shone again, laying a solid foundation before the bowlers stepped up to seal the victory. However, Afghanistan's middle-order struggles have continued, and with their sights set on their maiden semi-final appearance in a Men's ICC event, it's now or never for the likes of Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi to step up with the bat. In a rare occurrence, Fazalhaq Farooqi went wicketless in the last game, but his new-ball partner Naveen-ul-Haq did the job admirably. Afghanistan fans will be hoping the pace pairing can continue to perform effectively. The stakes couldn't be higher for Afghanistan and the performances of the spin twins, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be crucial in securing their place in the semi-finals. As for Bangladesh, their poor NRR leaves them in the worst position of the four teams, but they are still mathematically in with a chance. They will be hoping for a big win for India against Australia and then need to do the same against Afghanistan. Their batting has left much to be desired and their bowlers have been the ones to bail them out. Only Shakib Al Hasan has managed a fifty so far, and while the 50s and 100s are not the end all be all, the lack of intent has been evident. As for their bowling, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain have done the bulk of the damage, while Mustafizur Rahman, who struggled against India, will need to put in a much better shift. The stage is set for a grandstand finish and we have another mouth-watering prospect in front of us. Who will come out on top? We shall find out.