DUBAI: Afghanistan batters Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran completed a comfortable chase for their side with unbeaten knocks after spinners dominated Bangladesh batting line-up as Afghanistan sealed an emphatic seven-wicket victory to book a Super 4s spot in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.

Bangladesh, after winning the toss, made a rather surprising decision to elect to bat first against Afghanistan in the third match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. Batting first, last edition’s finalists Bangladesh were off to a dismal start as the Afghanistan spinners dismissed half of their side for 53 in the 11th over.

Former Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah, alongside Mosaddek anchored the inning after a horrific start and added 36 runs for the sixth wicket. Mosaddek was looking solid amid the stand, while Mahmudullah was struggling to score at a quick pace and in the end, fell victim to Afghanistan star bowler Rashid in the 16th over. He scored a mere 25 off 27 deliveries. Bangladesh hero Mosaddek then joined hands with tailender Mahedi Hassan and added a further 39 runs to the total before the latter perished in the final over courtesy of a run-out. Hassan scored a crucial 14 off 12, while Mosaddek top-scored for the side with an unbeaten 48 off 31 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six. For Afghanistan, Rashid and Mujeeb starred as they bagged three wickets each. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 31 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.