Afghanistan advancing to semi-finals is "like a dream" - Rashid

Captain Rashid Khan says it’s “like a dream” for Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup.

Afghanistan made it to the last four of an ICC global event for the first time. They beat Bangladesh in a close game with few runs scored.

As a result, Australia has also been eliminated.

“It’s unbelievable,” Rashid said. “Back home, everyone is so, so happy for us. “Being in the semi-finals is like a dream for us.

Afghanistan started a fantastic rise when it became a junior International Cricket Council (ICC) member in 2001.

The country did not become a Full Member until 2017. Seven years later, on Thursday (01:30 BST), they will play South Africa for the chance to play in their first final.

“We had to push ourselves for the people back home, for their happiness, and to make the country proud,” Rashid said.

“I am sure a huge party is going on back home right now.” It is a big deal for us. I am pleased with how well we did as a group. We need to keep things simple for ourselves and have fun in the semi-final.

Rashid was the star of Afghanistan’s win over Bangladesh. He hit three sixes in a crucial late appearance that took Afghanistan to 115-5.

The leg-spinner took 4/23 with the ball to keep his team in the game even though they were defending a meager score.

Even though it was very close, Bangladesh was getting close to winning, which would have sent Australia through. However, fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq took two wickets in two balls, which put Afghanistan over the line.

Naveen finished with scores of 4–26. “We worked so hard over the last few years; we were working for this day,” he said.

“It’s crazy when you know this day is going to happen, and it does.” “I do not know what to say.” India plays England in the second semi-final on Thursday afternoon (15:30 BST) in Guyana.