LAHORE: Bangladesh secured an impressive victory over Afghanistan, defeating them by 89 runs in the fourth match of the Asia Cup at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 335 runs, Afghanistan was bowled out for 245 runs in the 45th over.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed with four wickets and Shoriful Islam with three wickets, proved to be a formidable challenge for Afghanistan. Their stellar performance played a significant role in clinching the victory.
Bangladesh’s innings had been defined by two exceptional centuries. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed a remarkable 112 off 119 balls, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes. Meanwhile, Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a stellar performance with 104 runs off 105 balls, smashing nine boundaries and two sixes. Bangladesh’s innings had set the stage for a commanding total of 334 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs after they opted to bat first.
In response, Afghanistan encountered early setbacks with the dismissal of Gurbaz. The top order, including Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah, struggled to find momentum. Despite Ibrahim Zadran’s entertaining fifty, Afghanistan failed to mount a substantial challenge throughout the match.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 51 runs, and Ibrahim Zadran scored 75 runs, but their efforts were not sufficient to secure a win against Bangladesh’s dominant performance.
Although Rashid Khan managed to add a few boundaries towards the end, they only amounted to consolation runs as Bangladesh emerged victorious with an 89-run margin.
Bangladesh Batting Against Afghanistan
Earlier, Bangladesh faced early challenges, losing two wickets with just 63 runs on the board. However, the partnership between Miraz and Shanto, worth 194 runs, catapulted their team into a commanding position.
Miraz, unfortunately, had to retire hurt after his splendid century, while Shanto was run out for his dynamic 104. Captain Shakib Al Hasan also contributed significantly, playing a cameo innings of 32 runs off 18 balls.
For Bangladesh, this match was a “do or die” situation following their previous defeat to co-host Sri Lanka by five wickets. Consequently, securing a victory in this crucial encounter against Afghanistan became imperative for their progression in the tournament.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh’s performance aimed to secure a much-needed win in the Asia Cup. They faced a daunting challenge against Afghanistan, who were entering their first match of the tournament. A victory for Afghanistan in this game would secure their place in the next stage before facing the group leaders, Sri Lanka.
However, a defeat for Afghanistan would heighten the stakes for their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka, making it a must-win situation. As such, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side approached this match against Bangladesh with a strong determination to secure their spot in the tournament’s next stage.
Bangladesh had previously suffered a five-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in their first match, making this victory all the more crucial for their progression in the tournament.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.
Afghanistan Playing XI
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
