Beleaguered Afghans were riding high on Tuesday after reaching semi-final in the T-20 World Cup victory over Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS method) spread a rare mood of euphoria across the country.
"With every ball, every run, every boundary, every wicket, I wasn't able to hold my emotions," said university student Zamir Afghan in the capital Kabul.
"It was very early morning, but I was jumping, screaming, I was not able to contain myself," the 20-year-old told AFP. "I couldn't stop my tears."
Afghanistan seized on a poor performance to post 115-5 in their innings and Bangladesh scored 105 for 17.5 overs. their first ever win over Bangladesh in the T-20 World Cu.
Whilst cricket is hugely popular in Afghanistan, the match over 11,000 kilometres (7,000 miles) away in Arnos Vale on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, took place around dawn local time.
Though the last ball was bowled around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, many diehard fans had been awake to witness the win.
In eastern Khost city, around 1,000 raucous cricket fans gathered to bask in the glow of fireworks early on Sunday morning in half an hour of revelry swiftly broken up by Taliban security forces.
An uncowed smaller crowd came together again at night, clapping as they lit off more pyrotechnics.
Since the Taliban took over in August 2021 and introduced an austere vision of Islam, scenes of public jubilation have been rare.
"Such moments are special for everyone," said 18-year-old fruit shop worker Saddam Saleh. "Beating the mighty Australia is not something small."
The result bolsters Afghanistan's chances of reaching finals in the competition co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the first semifinal at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on June 27.
"In sports there are always 'ifs' and 'buts', but there is a very good chance for Afghanistan to qualify," said 28-year-old Usman Ahmadzai.
"They even have the potential to be in the final and be champions -- we couldn't wish for more."
Afghanistan has been isolated since the withdrawal of foreign forces and the collapse of the US-backed government, with diplomats wary of engaging with Taliban rulers.
