Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 3 runs in last ball thriller

Yeasin Hasan: There were some heartbreaking stories in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Finally, the team came up with their real face in last match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. 

Pacer Mustafizur held his nerves to bowl a final dot ball in the 50th over to give his team a nerve-wracking three-run win. Following the victory, the Tigers keep their hopes of another Asia Cup-2018 final alive.

Winning toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and scored 249-7 on the back of half-century from Mahmudullah Riyad and Imrul Kayes. Riyad scored 74 runs facing 81 balls while, Imrul Kayes scored 72 runs and remained unbeaten. Imrul hit six fours and his fans will be delighted he justified the management's decision to fly him to the UAE in the middle of the tournament.

In reply, Afghanistan side was also looking great. They fought till the end. Needing eight runs to win off the 50th over Afghanistan lost Rashid Khan for five off the second ball while Samiullah Shinwari (23 not out) and Gulbadin Naib managed just two leg byes to finish at 246-7.

Mahmudullah Riyad was given player of the match award for his outstanding performance in the match.

Bangladesh Squad:
Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam.

Afghanistan Squad:
Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shenwari, Asghar Afghan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.


risingbd/Dhaka/Sep 24, 2018/Yeasin/Nasim