Will Rashid Khan replicate what Kapil Dev did 41 years ago in T20 World Cup?

June 25, 1983, and now June 29, 2024, the same month and with almost a similar reputation, as India went to England 41 years ago and created a legacy. Now, Rashid and his company are on the edge of making history after unbelievable performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan is currently at the top of the world and has deservedly qualified for the semifinals. Now, Afghanistan is set to play against South Africa on June 27 at 6 a.m. IST in a semifinal game of the T20 World Cup. Well, now the question is, will Afghanistan emulate what India did 41 years ago? It’s quite likely that they have a fairly good chance to replicate what Kapil Dev and his team did in the 1983 ODI World Cup.

When Team India went to the 1983 World Cup, they were considered minnows along with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In contrast, Afghanistan, coming into this T20 World Cup, was more of a dark horse. But it was clear that no one initially expected them to reach the Super 4, as the odds were against them. Despite the conditions being less familiar for some Afghan players, but they made it to the semifinals.

India in 1983 to Afghanistan in 2024

India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup glory

Before we speculate on Afghanistan’s future, let’s roll back the clock to 1983 and recall what happened with India. Tagged as minnows with odds of 50:1 before the World Cup, India wasn’t considered a contender. However, like a fairy tale, everything fell into place for India. They won games against the West Indies and Zimbabwe in the round-robin matches, although they lost to Australia due to Travis Chappell’s century.

In the second round-robin leg, they defeated Australia, and then came the famous Tunbridge Wells game against Zimbabwe, where Kapil Dev’s 175 is still remembered by many. Despite all these happenings, India still wasn’t taken seriously.

In the semifinal against England, the English media didn’t consider India at all. As already celebrating a potential final between the West Indies and England. But fate had other plans, India won the game against England by six wickets and then the final against the West Indies at Lord’s by 43 runs, defending 183 against Clive Lloyd and his team.

Afghnaistan T20 World Cup 2024 winner?

Now, when we look at the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinalists, India is going to play against England, and Afghanistan will take on South Africa in their first knockout hurdle before the finals. The competition for the Afghan camp is going to be tough. As South Africa has a fine mix of bowlers and batters, whereas Rashid and company are more known for their bowling attributes.

We have seen in many recent games how they were able to restrict the run flow of opponents while defending a total. However, batters may push them into trouble. If Afghanistan is looking for a pivotal moment that can change the ‘course of cricket’ in Afghanistan, just like it changed in India after the 1983 Prudential World Cup.

Cricket ICC T20 World Cup Afghanistan Cricket Team