Afghanistan 'proved Brian Lara right’

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed his gratitude to West Indies legend Brian Lara after securing a semifinal berth of the Twenty20 World Cup with a dramatic eight-run victory over Bangladesh in St Vincent today.

"It's a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable. The only guy who put us in the semi-finals was Brian Lara and we proved him right. When we met him at a welcome party, I told him we won't let you down," said Rashid during a post-match presentation ceremony.

Afghanistan have realised cricketing history in reaching the final four of the mega event, edging out Bangladesh in one of the most dramatic T20I contests of all time.

Afghanistan hopes were dented when they were restricted to a modest 115-5 but skipper Rashid Khan took 4-23 and Naveen-ul-Haq 4-26 in a defiant bowling effort that delivered victory.

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Needing victory to secure their semi-final berth, the Afghans have ended Australia's campaign, sealing the second spot in Group 1 of the Super Eights.

"We thought 130-135 was a good score but we fell 15 runs short. We knew they would come hard at us and we knew that is what we could take advantage of. We didn't need to do anything extra, just be clear in our plans. We wanted to make people back home happy, that was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job," Afghan skipper added.

"We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion," he concluded.