Both teams have two points on the Group B points table, and are separate by NRR.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in a do-or-die clash in Abu Dhabi to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours. Opener Saif Hassan was yet to put runs on the board before he was given a lifeline with a dropped catch by Azmatullah Omarzai during the BAN vs AFG fixture.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was bowling the first over of the innings, and the first four deliveries were dot balls. The fifth ball was an outside off-stump delivery. Hassan attempted to hit for a cover drive, but it found Omarzai at extra cover. The Afghan player jumped high in the air to grab the ball, but ended up dropping it. The bowler and keeper were visibly disappointed; however, the batter sneaked a run to open Bangladesh’s account.
Watch the video here:
Eventually, Hassan was bowled out by the Afghanistan skipper for 30 runs off 28 balls. His knock was laced with two boundaries and a maximum.
As of writing this report, Bangladesh have posted 87/1 in 10 overs. Tanzid Hasan Tamim (47) and Litton Das (9) are unbeaten at the crease, while Rashid Khan has taken the solitary wicket.
ALSO READ:
Bangladesh are in a tough spot going into this match against Afghanistan. Talking about Group B as it stands currently, Sri Lanka are at the top with four points. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are separated by NRR, while Hong Kong are eliminated for the Super Fours. Whichever team wins tonight will reach four points.
However, if Afghanistan wins, they will solidify their qualification and will enter the Super Fours with Sri Lanka.
If Bangladesh wins, Sri Lanka will qualify, while the second spot will be up for grabs. It will depend on the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan fixture on September 18 at the same venue. In that match, if Afghanistan win, they will qualify, along with the team from Sri Lanka or Bangladesh with the highest NRR will qualify.
Thus, tonight’s fixture is a virtual decider for the Super Fours, and a do-or-die game for Bangladesh.
The Bangla Tigers are yet to grab the elusive trophy. However, they have been runners-up thrice in 2012, 2016, and most recently in 2018.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
