BAN vs AFG: Zadran Duo Power Afghanistan To 7 Wicket Win Against Bangladesh In A Nail-Biter

Asia Cup 2022: In a nail-biter of a contest at Sharjah, the Afghanistan team were powered to a 7-wicket win, courtesy of the Zadran duo - Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran. With this win, Afghanistan have confirmed their berth in the Super Four stages of the tournament. 

Chasing a target of 128, Afghanistan batters weren't allowed to be comfortable at the crease as Bangla bowlers bowled defensively. Due to this, Afghanistan were at 29/1 after the powerplay and 48/2 after 10 overs. However, due to this defensive bowling, Bangladesh weren't able to pick many wickets. 

Wickets are always needed while defending a low score, and Ibrahim Zadran changed gears in the second half as he smacked an unbeaten 42 runs off 41 balls with 4 fours, while Najibullah Zadran came out to bat at #5 and blasted 37* runs off 16 balls with 1 four & 5 sixes, including 21 runs off the 18th over by Saifuddin to take Afghanistan through the group stages. 

For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin managed 1 wicket each. In the first innings, After the spin duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman & Rashid Khan dismantled Bangladesh's top order batting early on, Mosaddek Hossain helped his team to 127/7 in the 3rd match of Asia Cup 2022. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman wreaked havoc early on as he dismissed the top three Bangla batters - Mohammad Naim (6), Anamul Haque (5) and Shakib Al Hasan (11) inside the powerplay. Rashid Khan then followed up as he cleared up the middle order - Mushfiqur Rahim (1), Afif Hossain (12) and Mahmudullah (25). 

For Bangladesh, after the first four wickets failed to etch a partnership, Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain added 25 runs for the fifth wicket, Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain added 36 runs for the sixth wicket while Mosaddek and Mahedi Hasan added 38 runs for the seventh wicket as Bangladesh reached a fighting total. 

Mosaddek Hossain was the top scorer for his team with an unbeaten 48 runs off 30 balls with 4 fours & a six, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan picked up three wickets each for Afghanistan. 

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss & opted to bat first against Afghanistan in the 3rd match of Asia Cup 2022. This match is being played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. 

Brief Score: 

• Bangladesh - 127/7 (Mosaddek - 48(31), Mujeeb - 3/16)

• Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 Scorecard

  Afghanistan - 131/3 in 18.3 overs (Ibrahim - 42*(41), Mosaddek - 1/12)