Bangladesh pip Afghanistan to keep hopes alive

Bangladesh won a thriller to keep their hopes alive of a place in the finale by defeating Afghanistan by 2 runs in a closely fought game on Sunday (September 23). Fifties from Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Shahzad laid the platform but the chase was derailed despite only eight needed off the final over for a win.


Earlier, Bangladesh batted first and scored 249 for 7 after being in a spot for most part of it. They were 87 for 5 before fifties from Mahmudullah (74) and Imrul Kayes (72*) saved them the blushes and took them to a score which looked defendable.


The top-order of Bangladesh once again crumbled and were for 18 for 2. Nazmul Hossain picked up his third consecutive single digit score and Mohammad Mithun failed to utilize his chance at number 3. Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim resurrected the innings with a 63-run stand but the slipped again as Liton fell to Rashid, in his first over.