Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 3 runs and achieve a trilling victory in the Super Four One-day International of the Asia Cup 2018 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 23 September.
The match was important for both teams to stay alive in the further match as they both have lost the first Super Four game so this is must win game for both in order to qualify for the final in Dubai on Friday.
Afghanistan needed eight runs off the final over but experienced paceman Mustafizur conceded only four and also dismissed dangerous Rashid Khan where they looked well in control with Hashmatullah and captain Asghar Afghan who was going very strong after losing three wickets.
The inexperience of Afghan bowlers showed yet again as they allowed the rivals to free themselves from their clutches. Mahmudullah played aggressively after completing his 20th ODI, twice lofting star Afghan spinner Rashid Khan over the ropes.
Mustafizur Rahman bowled a sensational last over as Bangladesh huffed and puffed to a narrow three-run win to keep themselves in the race for the Asia Cup final.
Bangladesh have brought in Nazmul Islam and Imrul Kayes in place of Mosaddek Hossain while Afghanistan have replaced Najibullah Zadran with Samiullah Shenwari.
Mahmudullah (74) made it memorable match for himself. After batting well at crucial juncture, he dismissed Afghanistan opener Mohammad Shahzad (53) and also took a catch of the rival skipper.
The pace trio of Aftab Alam, Mujeeb ur Rahamn and Gulbadin Naib had succeeded in straight-jacketing Bangladesh batsmen, keeping them under a tight leash with disciplined line and length.
However, Bangladesh is still in the race of winning the Asia Cup. The next match with Pakistan will decide whether to go forward in the race or not.
> Shatabdi Sarker Poushi
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