Claims that the USA’s victory against Pakistan in the T20 men’s cricket world cup was the most unexpected sporting moment of 2024 might now be considered premature, now that Afghanistan has won through to the semi-final, leaving teams such as Australia in their wake.
When the tournament began on June 1, most observers would have considered a semi-final line-up not featuring Australia as highly unlikely. That the 2021 champions were pipped to the post by Afghanistan would have been considered almost inconceivable. Even now, the idea that these cricketing minnows might go further and make it to the final is nigh on unthinkable.
But over the years, Afghanistan’s men have bagged victories against England, Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka. Some of its players are becoming big names within T20 franchise leagues around the world.
