Having won their first match emphatically against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan played against Bangladesh in a bid to continue their great run in Asia Cup 2022. Bangladesh won the toss and contrary to the norm, elected to bat first. This, however, proved to be an incorrect decision as they could only put 127/7 on the board in 20 overs.
The openers, Mohammad Naim (6) and Anamul Haque (5) left the team in limbo with their sudden departure. Captain Shakib Al Hasan also failed to lead their team to a good score as he was bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman at just 11. It was the lower order batters, Mahmudullah (25) and Mosaddek Hasan (48*), who made important runs for their team and took Bangladesh to 127/7.
Rashid Khan was impressive with the ball as he took three important wickets in his four-over spell. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was equally valuable if not more as he took three wickets and gave away just 16 runs in four overs. Coming onto chase, what seemed like a small total for Afghanistan, they got off to a decent start with both openers Hazratullah Zazai (23) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11) taking the team forward. However, Bangladesh came back into the game by taking crucial wickets in quick succession. At one stage, Afghanistan had lost 3 wickets for 62 runs.
It was, however, Ibrahim Zardan who anchored the chase with a 42 off 41 balls, took his team across the finish line and win the second game for Afghanistan. Captain Mohammad Nabi did not do much but Najibullah Zadran made sure that his team reached safely home with his impressive knock of unbeaten 43 off just 17 balls. He hit one four and a six to thwart the Bangladesh challenge in the end.
After smashing Sri Lanka in the first match, Afghanistan have now defeated another Asian team to book their place in the top-four. Bangladesh batters had a horrid time at the crease but their bowlers also did not convey any confidence as they were smashed all around by Afghanistan batters.
Let’s see how Twitter reacted to a minnow team in Afghanistan beating Bangladesh by a massive seven wickets:
What a knock by Najibullah Zadran – 43* in just 17 balls with 6 sixes. Afghanistan needed 65 in 7 overs when he arrived, finished the game with 6 sixes. pic.twitter.com/jA1KywS6bx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 30, 2022
Afghanistan becomes the first team to qualify into the Super 4 in Asia Cup 2022.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2022
Najibullah is the hero, what a knock, what a player – Afghanistan were 65 for 3 from 14 overs while chasing 128 runs then Najibullah smashed unbeaten 43* runs from 17 balls including 1 four & 6 sixes.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2022
Afghanistan qualifies for Super 4 of Asia Cup 2022. Najibullah Zadran the hero with 43* in just 17 balls with 6 sixes.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 30, 2022
What a night for Afghanistan! Winning games, winning hearts! What a story @ACBofficials #AFGvsBAN #AsiaCup2022
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 30, 2022
Sri Lanka batters to Bangladesh batters while playing vs Afghanistan #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/p6cOJWiUwJ
— Udit (@udit_buch) August 30, 2022
Afghanistan confirm qualification for Super 4 round.
Bangladesh vs Srilanka will be a knockout match
— Naveed Nadeem (@naveednadeem91) August 30, 2022
Not a surprising result. Bangladesh are poor in T20Is and Shakib botched up by not bowling Mosaddek. Afghanistan won their first two matches in the previous Asia Cup too. Strong statement again. #AFGvsBAN #AsiaCup2022
— Jamie Alter ? ?? (@alter_jamie) August 30, 2022
What a match. Congratulations ??? This is the second consecutive win for Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. This time, beating Bangladesh. ?? #AFGvsBAN
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) August 30, 2022
Afghanistan beats Bangladesh by 7 wickets in Asia Cup match, finishes on top of the group and becomes first team to confirm place in super 4 stage of the tournament.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 30, 2022
