AFG vs SA, T20 World Cup semis: Special fan park in Kabul, Rashid calls for support
Afghanistan cricket team fans are gearing up to cheer for Rashid Khan and his men from all over the globe.
They are expected to have strong support at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad during their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday, June 27. Back home, the streets of major cities are going to be filled with people, rooting for the Afghanistan side who are looking to continue their dream run in the T20 World Cup.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Wednesday confirmed that a special fan park would be set up at the Kabul Cricket Ground. Live streaming of the semi-final match against South Africa will be the main attraction with free food and refreshments, according to the cricket body. The ACB invited fans in Kabul to cheer for the senior men’s team and witness the action.
Rashid Khan also featured in a video message shared by the ACB. The Afghanistan captain addressed the fans and urged them to cheer for his team when they take on the Proteas.
Afghanistan players have received the love and support of most of the cricket fraternity during their dream run in the T20 World Cup. Rashid’s men stunned Australia and outclassed Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage to make it to their maiden semi-final in the tournament. Afghanistan had also hammered New Zealand in the group stage of the tournament.
Afghanistan fans have been enjoying a festive-like atmosphere as visuals of people flooding the streets to celebrate the cricket team’s success have gone viral. ACB shared photos of jam-packed streets in Khost and Nangarhar provinces as people took to the streets to watch the live screening and celebrate their success.
Afghanistan will head into the semi-final with a lot of belief after having been on a giant-slaying run in the tournament. South Africa, on the other hand, have struggled to be clinical so far, but have won some close matches. The Proteas, who are unbeaten, will look to improve their horrible record in World Cup knockouts — they have won only one out of 10 World Cup knockout matches so far.