Afghanistan Beat Bangladesh by 7 Wickets, End Final Hopes
SHARJAH: Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the tri-series final ended after a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat to Afghanistan, who chased down a modest target of 161 with 87 balls to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh struggled from the outset, losing four wickets for just 38 runs inside the first 10 overs. Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan attempted to rebuild the innings, putting together a 50-run partnership off 90 balls.
Emon top-scored for Bangladesh with 70 off 96 deliveries, striking five fours and two sixes. Saif contributed 41 from 82 balls before falling to Mohammad Nabi.
However, Bangladesh failed to build on the partnership as wickets continued to fall. The innings came to an end at 160 in 41.2 overs, leaving the bowlers with a limited total to defend.
Afghanistan also faced an early challenge in the chase, slipping to 42 for two within the first 10 overs. But Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings, adding 50 runs from 74 balls to shift the momentum in their team’s favour.
Zadran made 34 off 48 balls before being dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. Rahmat then combined with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi to guide Afghanistan comfortably towards the target.
Rahmat remained unbeaten on 67 from 90 deliveries, hitting four boundaries, while Shahidi scored an unbeaten 36 off 54 balls, also finding the boundary four times.
Afghanistan reached 161 for three in 35.3 overs to secure a convincing victory, with seven wickets in hand.
The result strengthened Afghanistan’s position in the race for a place in the tri-series final. For Bangladesh, the defeat proved decisive following their earlier 99-run loss to Zimbabwe, bringing their hopes of reaching the title decider to an end.
