Afghanistan secured their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup after beating Sri Lanka in a thriller at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua on Thursday. Despite being knocked out for an undermatched total of 134, Afghanistan took a dramatic victory to become the first Afghan team at any level to reach a World Cup semi-final. After their historic victory, the Afghan players celebrated in a unique way. The players performed the ‘Attan’, a traditional dance that has a very special place in the culture of the country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) took to Instagram and shared a video of the Afghan players’ celebrations.
Watch: Afghan cricketers dance to celebrate their dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in U19 World Cup
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also shared a preview of the team’s post-match celebrations on Twitter.
Celebrate the win guys!!
The Future stars have all the rights in the world to celebrate their quarterfinal victory over SL U19s. #FutureStars | #AFGvSL | #U19CWC2022 pic.twitter.com/SNmr2jtTIx
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 27, 2022
Afghanistan U19 perform national dance ATTAN as they make their way to the @cricketworldcup semi finals. #U19CWC #U19CWC2022 @ACBofficials pic.twitter.com/vEQy7uf3rP
— Afghan Cricket Association – ACA (@Afghan_cricketA) January 27, 2022
After batting first, four of Afghanistan’s top five batters were stunned by Sri Lankan bowler Vinuja Ranpul, whose efforts at one point knocked them out 26 for four.
Allah Noor and Abdul Hadi scored some important runs, adding 47 for the fifth wicket, before the first was rejected for 25.
Noor Ahmad then teamed up with Hadi as the pair added another crucial 48 runs to take their score past the 130 run.
After a total of 135 runs, Sri Lanka was cut to 43 for seven at one point before skipper Dunith Wellalage held their ship steady, scoring 34 runs on a 69 run partnership with Raveen da Silva.
promoted
However, his resignation in 41st place meant that Sri Lanka was eventually knocked out for 130.
Afghanistan will face England in the first semi-final on February 1 at Sir Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
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