Bangladesh players celebrate a dismissal against Afghanistan on September 23, 2018. Photo: AFP
The Asia Cup will back to its old 50-over format when the 16th edition of the regional cricket extravaganza kicks off in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30, after its recent edition featured the shortest format last year. As the Tigers are gearing up for the six-team tournament under the leadership of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, The Daily Star Sports look back to the Tigers’ performances in 2018 Asia Cup in UAE, played in their preferred 50-over format. Â
Tigers win the battle of nerves
A brilliant last over from Mustafizur Rahman and two well-compiled knocks under pressure from Mahmudullah Riyad and Imrul Kayes helped Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three runs in their second Super Four match in the 2018 Asia Cup.
The result at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi meant meant that the Tigers managed to keep their chances of qualifying for the finals in their own hands.
Having won the toss, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza opted to bat and the Tigers, despite a 43-ball 41 from Liton Das at the top, slumped to a precarious 87 for five inside 21 overs.
Afghanistan bowlers could not capitalise on the momentum upfront and as Mahmudullah (74 off 81) and Imrul (72 not out off 89) stitched a 128-run stand for the sixth wicket to post a competitive total, 249.
Both Mahmudullah and Imrul timed their innings to near perfection.  Mahmudullah’s upped the ante after registering his 20th ODI fifty, striking star leggie Rashid Khan for a couple of lofty sixes, while Imrul – playing after who had only flown in the previous day as a squad reinforcement and playing his first ODI in almost a year — struck six boundaries.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Imrul Kayes run between wickets against Afghanistan on September 23, 2018. Photo: AFP
In reply, Afghanistan began cautiously after losing coupled of early wickets. Opener Mohammad Shahzad struck eight boundaries on his way to a fifty but Mahmudullah continued his good day as the off-spinner scalped Shahzad, with scores at 89 for three in the 25th over.  Â
Bangladesh were in a for a frustrating period from then as Afghan middle-order batters played according to the merit of the situation.
The Tigers had a reprieve, though, brought on by captain Mashrafe who removed Asghar Afghan (39) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (71) in succession. Â
Despite the setback of Shahidi, at 192 for five after 43.3 overs, the Afghans still appeared confident enough to seal the game by playing out the full quota of overs.
The ever-reliable Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari had almost steered their side to safe shores, following quick-fire 46-run stand for the sixth wicket. It was their match to lose as when Nabi got out, the required runs were nine off 12 and later became eight runs off the final over. Â
Mustafizur, eventually, won the battle of nerves in the all-important over. The wily left-armer sent Rashid Khan in the dugout and, most importantly, conceded only four.
