Asia Cup: Bangladesh Keep Hopes Alive with Thrilling Win over Afghanistan

Darwin, September 18 — After a disappointing defeat against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh’s chances in the Asia Cup seemed all but over. The slim mathematical probability of progression was dismissed by many. But cricket, being a game of glorious uncertainties, saw Liton Das’ Bangladesh defy the odds and reignite their campaign with a narrow yet spirited win over Afghanistan.

In a must-win game, Bangladesh delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by just 4 runs, stunning the clear favorites and keeping their hopes of reaching the Super Four alive.

With this victory, Bangladesh moved up to second place in the tightly-contested “Group of Death”. Their fate now hinges on the match scheduled for September 18. If Afghanistan lose, Bangladesh will qualify directly for the Super Four. However, if Afghanistan win, net run rate calculations will come into play. In essence, Liton Das and his team have managed to light a spark in what was thought to be a dying flame.

🔹 Bowling Brilliance Defends 154

Chasing 155 for victory at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Afghanistan were rocked early. Spinner Nasum Ahmed, making a return to the playing XI, struck with the very first delivery of the innings, trapping Sediqullah Atal lbw for a golden duck.

In the second over, Taskin Ahmed could have had a wicket as well, but Rejaur Rahman Raja dropped a straightforward catch at backward point to reprieve Ibrahim Zadran.

Nasum ensured the miss wasn’t costly. In his next over, he removed Zadran lbw, reducing Afghanistan to 27 for 2 in the powerplay.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib tried to rebuild, but leg-spinner Rishad Hossain broke their partnership at 51. Gulbadin fell for 16, caught off a delivery outside off-stump.

Rishad then struck again to remove the well-set Gurbaz. Azmatullah Omarzai fought valiantly with a 16-ball 30, but his dismissal sealed the deal for Bangladesh. The Afghan tail, including Rashid Khan and Karim Janat, failed to mount a challenge as they were bowled out for 146.

Mustafizur Rahman led the attack with 3 wickets, while Nasum and Rishad took 2 each. Taskin also bagged a brace.

🔹 Tanzid’s Firepower Sets Platform

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 154 for 5 after winning the toss and electing to bat. The start was slow, but the opening pair of Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan gradually gained momentum.

The duo added 63 runs in 40 balls before Saif was bowled by Rashid Khan for 29 off 26.

Captain Liton Das struggled once again, scoring just 9 off 11 before falling lbw to Noor Ahmad.

Meanwhile, Tanzid was in fine touch, reaching his seventh career T20I fifty in just 28 balls. He eventually departed after scoring 52 off 31, caught by Ibrahim Zadran off Noor Ahmad.

After Tanzid’s departure, the run rate slowed again. Shamim Hossain (11 off 11) and Towhid Hridoy (26 off 20) couldn’t accelerate as hoped. In the final overs, Jaker Ali (12* off 13) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (12* off 6) added useful runs to push the total to 154.

For Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan took two wickets each, while Azmatullah Omarzai claimed one.

🔹 What’s Next?

With this vital win, Bangladesh have kept their tournament hopes alive. Now all eyes are on the upcoming match — a loss for Afghanistan will secure Bangladesh’s place in the Super Four. A win for Afghanistan, however, will push the qualification race into net run rate territory.

From the brink of elimination, Bangladesh have staged a remarkable comeback — once again proving that in cricket, nothing is truly over until the final ball is bowled.