New Delhi, June 26: They are no more minnows of world cricket. They are no more only occasional giant killers. They have emerged as challengers and title contenders.
Their rise in world cricket in a span of few years have been phenomenal. If they missed entering the semifinals of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India, now they have edged out the mighty Aussies to book a berth in the semis of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean.
In recent years, Afghanistan have indeed emerged as a formidable side and have always put bigger teams to treat them with lot of respect and fear.
As the cricket world braces for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan took to social media to rally his supporters ahead of the crucial match against South Africa. Scheduled to take place on Thursday at Tarouba in Trinidad and Tobago, this match presents Afghanistan with an unprecedented opportunity to reach the final of a Cricket World Cup in any white-ball format.
In a video message posted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) official social media handle, Rashid Khan called on Afghan fans to lend their support to the team during this pivotal moment.
The post read: "The skipper Rashid Khan calls on the #AfghanAtalan's fans to support the team as they prepare to play their first-ever #T20WorldCup Semifinal, starting tomorrow morning in Trinidad."
Rashid's message resonated deeply with fans, reflecting the pride and passion of a nation that has seen its cricketing dreams blossom against the odds. "We have come a long way and faced many challenges," said Rashid. "But your support has always been our strength. Now, as we stand on the brink of history, we need your voices louder than ever. Let's make this moment unforgettable."
Afghanistan's journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a team once considered underdogs, they have risen through the ranks, displaying resilience, skill, and an unwavering spirit. Their campaign has seen them triumph over top-ranked teams, including New Zealand and multiple-time world champions Australia, solidifying their status as formidable contenders.
The semifinal clash against South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.
For Afghanistan, cricket is more than just a sport. It is a source of national pride and a symbol of hope and unity. The team’s achievements on the world stage have brought joy to millions and have been a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. As the semifinal approaches, the excitement and anticipation among Afghan fans are palpable. The prospect of making it to the final has galvanised the entire nation, with supporters rallying behind their team with fervour.
Can Afghanistan create history by beating South Africa in the T20 WC semifinals on Thursday? If they can, they will definitely create history and Rashid Khan will be a proud captain to lead a bunch of real fighters. (With IANS support)
