In
Super Four round of the 2018 Asia Cup, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by three
runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (September 23) and with
this victory, they kept their hope of playing in the tournament final alive.
Bangladeshi
left-arm fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, played the most crucial role. Because
of his brilliant last over bowling, Bangladesh could win the match in the end. The
Afghans were in need of eight runs to win the match and eventually kept them in
the tournament, but Mustafiz gave only four runs. As a result, Afghanistan’s
innings ended in 246 for 7 in 50 overs.
For
Afghanistan, Mohammad Shahzad and Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 53 and 71 runs
respectively. It was Shahidi’s third consecutive fifty. He along with Mohammad
Shahzad added 63 runs for the third wicket stand and then 78 runs with skipper Asghar
Afghan in the fourth wicket.
Despite
losing these three wickets, Afghanistan looked set for a victory as they
required just 58 runs with five wickets left at hand. However, the rest of the
players like Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Rashid Khan and Gulbadan Naib tried
hard to lead their team to victory, but because of Bangladeshi bowlers, their attempt
failed.
For
Bangladesh, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets apiece while Shakib
Al Hasan and Mahmudullah took one wicket each.
Coming
to bat first, Bangladesh scored 249 runs for 7 in their stipulated overs. The
Tigers could put on this competitive score riding on two fifties from Mahmudullah
and Imrul Kayes. These two players also made a 128-run partnership in the sixth
wicket stand. Mahmudullah scored 74 runs off 81 balls, including three fours
and two sixes. Imrul played an unbeaten innings of 72 facing 89 balls. He hit
six fours in his innings. With this performance, he showed the management that not
selecting him in the squad was a wrong decision.
Opener Liton
Das was just 9 runs short from his maiden half century, but his 41-run innings saved
Bangladesh from a disaster after losing two early wickets of Nazmul Hossain
Shanto and Mohammad Mithun within 6 overs. However, Liton Das made a 63-run
partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim in the third wicket stand. Bangladesh innings
could have been bigger if Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan were not run out.
For
Afghanistan, Aftab Alam claimed three wickets while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid
Khan took one wicket each.
Mahmudullah
was named the Player of the Match for his match saving innings and the valuable
wicket of Shahzad.
Source-
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