Its late arrival in the Caribbean had forced the ICC to rework the fixtures of its group matches, but Afghanistan, with a stellar performance in the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup, ensured that tweaking by the apex body Was worth it, even if it meant rescheduling as many as four matches.
Away from cricket and accustomed to dealing with bigger issues, a war-torn Afghanistan team will chase down history on Tuesday in a game that has often been a soothing balm to many of the country’s battered souls.
After being punched above her weight, she will now take on England in the Super League semi-final.
Afghanistan will make history if it is able to beat the arch-rival England.
dramatic march
If its entry into the tournament was not devoid of drama, its march into the last-four stage was no less dramatic, thanks to visa-related issues.
The odds were heavy against it after Sri Lanka posted just 134 on the board after being asked to take the first strike in the quarter-finals, but Afghanistan struck with the ball to bundle out the island nation for 130 runs in 46 overs at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Had a great performance together. in Antigua.
Earlier, Afghanistan won all three matches in the group stage, after obtaining the necessary permission to travel to the West Indies.
This is only the second time, the first being the 2018 edition in New Zealand, that Afghanistan have made it to the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup.
biggest challenge
However, England will undoubtedly be its biggest challenger.
England are widely known for their batting depth in white-ball cricket and Jacob Bethel is one name that can cause problems for Afghanistan’s bowlers.
The Warwickshire batting all-rounder showed his prowess in England’s quarterfinal win against South Africa at the same venue. He scored 88 runs in 42 balls at a strike-rate of 209.52 which is the most for any Englishman in an innings of at least 50 runs in the Under-19 World Cup.
Born in Barbados and the idol of Sir Garfield Sobers, Bethel has so far scored 201 runs in four innings at an average of 50.25 and a strike-rate of 112.92 and scored two 50s.
England will be hoping to continue that form against Afghanistan, although they have others capable of contributing for the team.
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