Who said what - top 5 expert reactions to Afghanistan qualifying for 2024 T20 World Cup semis ft. Wasim Jaffer

Afghanistan made history last night in Kingstown when they beat Bangladesh to secure a place in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. Thanks to this win, Afghanistan finished second in the Group 1 points table, setting up a semifinal clash against South Africa.

This was the first time Afghanistan qualified for the semifinals in any major ICC event. They came close to a top-4 finish in the ODI World Cup last year too but missed out eventually. This year, Afghanistan beat New Zealand, Australia, Uganda, PNG, and Bangladesh to secure a place in the final four.

Cricket fans across the world lauded Afghanistan for their fantastic performance. Here's a list of top five expert reactions to the Asian team's historic achievement.

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#1 Aakash Chopra reacted with a 2-word message on X

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra was one of the first to congratulate Afghanistan for their historic achievement. Chopra took to X in the morning to tweet:

"Wow Afghanistan (clapping emojis)."

The tweet from Aakash Chopra has received close to 15,000 likes already. More than 50 fans have also left a comment under the post on X.

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#2 Wasim Jaffer made a bold prediction for Afghanistan after their 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal qualification

Another former Indian opener to feature on this list is Wasim Jaffer. The former Indian batter wrote on X that teams like Australia and England will soon be ready to welcome Afghanistan to their shores instead of declining bilateral cricket against them.

"Aus used to invite Ind once every 10 years; Eng used to get Ind Tests out of the way in early part of the season. Same boards now lay out the red carpet for Ind. Same thing is going to happen with Afg. Cricket world will have to give Afg the respect they deserve," Jaffer tweeted.

Many cricket fans agreed with Jaffer on X. His tweet has received more than 45,000 likes on the micro-blogging platform.

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#3 Dodda Ganesh says Afghanistan are 'champions'

Former Indian fast bowler Dodda Ganesh heaped praise on Afghanistan after they edged Bangladesh in a close 2024 T20 World Cup game at the Arnos Vale Ground. For Dodda, Afghanistan were already champions as he tweeted:

"Afghanistan, you guys are champions. What a wonderful team."

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#4 Sachin Tendulkar was proud of Afghanistan's journey in 2024 T20 World Cup

Popularly known as the 'God of Cricket', Sachin Tendulkar also posted a tweet to heap praise on Afghanistan. He labeled their journey to the semis as an 'incredible' one and highlighted how they beat top teams like Australia and New Zealand.

"Afghanistan, your road to the semi-finals has been incredible, overcoming the likes of New Zealand and Australia. Today's win is a testament to your hard work & determination. So proud of your progress. Keep it up!" Tendulkar tweeted.

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#5 Waqar Younis says Afghanistan deserved to be in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals

Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis congratulated Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and the entire team for their historic achievement in 2024 T20 World Cup. He felt that Afghanistan deserved to be in the semifinals.

"Congratulations rashidkhan_19 and Team Afghanistan for getting in the semifinals. You guys played like a champions. Well deserve achievement," he tweeted.

Waqar shared the message with a social media image posted by Sportskeeda's team. His tweet has received more than 3,000 likes on X so far.