U-19 WC 2022: Afghanistan go through to the Semi-finals and celebrate in style

Afghanistan are through to the ICC U-19 World Cup semi-final after beating Sri Lanka in a dramatic fashion by just 4 runs in Antigua. The underdogs have shocked everyone by clinching a final four spot and will now meet England in the next game. The odds were heavily stacked against the Afghani team as they lost the toss and were forced to bat first in a do-or-die game.

Sri Lanka were looking under control when they restricted the batting total to just 134 runs in the first innings. Vinjua Ranpul had a fantastic bowling spell in the game and managed to get 5 wickets at the expense of just 10 runs. It was all down to the Afghanistan bowling lineup to spring a surprise on the Sri Lankans. And it is exactly what they did as well. Afghanistan managed to get the first wicket in the opening over itself after opener Sadisha Rajapaksa got out on a duck and even dismissed his replacement Shevon Daniel on just 2 runs. This rapid loss of wickets shook the Sri Lankan confidence to the core.

Despite a slow but steady effort from the Lankan skipper Dunith Wellalage who scored 34 runs off 61 balls, the Lankans were not able to cope with the fierce bowling attack which gave the Afghans their semi-final berth to them.

The celebrations that followed after the win was as ecstatic as their bowling performance. All the players were rejoicing on the field and danced on some traditional Afghan music with joy in what was a moment that will stay close to their hearts for many years to come.