Zadrans' Batting Rampage Helps AFG Beat BAN

Bangladesh lost the first match of the Asia Cup due to Najibullah Zadran's batting rampage. Afghanistan chased down the target of 128 runs set by Bangladesh losing only 3 wickets in 18.3 overs. Afghanistan's 7-wicket victory confirmed the Super Four of the Asia Cup. On the other hand, to go to the Super Four, Bangladesh will have to beat Sri Lanka in the last match. If they lose to the Lankans, they will have to leave empty-handed.

Chasing Bangladesh's 127 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan lost their third wicket for 62 runs in the 13th over. Then Ibrahim and Najibullah Zadran tied the pair. Although the control of the match was in the hands of Bangladesh till 16 overs.

But the Zadrans made havoc in Mustafiz's 17th over by scoring 17-run with 2 sixes and in Saif Uddin's 18th over by scoring 22-run with 2 fours and 2 sixes. On the fourth wicket, the two of them ruled the Bangladesh bowlers harshly. They left the field winning the team with a pair of 63 runs off just 33 balls.

Ibrahim remained unbeaten on 43 with 4 fours in 41 balls and Najibullah remained unbeaten with 42 runs with 1 four and 6 sixes in just 17 balls. His strike rate was 253.94.