BAN vs AFG: Afghanistan swept Bangladesh by 7 wickets in Sharjah on Tuesday to confirm their position into the Super 4 phase of Asia Cup 2022. Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 42-run knock, close by Najibullah Zadran’s 43-run effort, assisted the Afghanistan side to chase down the required total with 9 balls to spare.

Prior, the Bangla Tigers had been restricted to a total of 127/7, courtesy of three-wicket spells from both Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

With the victory, Mohammad Nabi’s side becomes the first team to confirm their place in Asia Cup 2022, Super 4 phase, as they will compete at the top of the group A. Concerning Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the two sides will go head to head on September 1 to decide who joins Afghanistan in the following round.

In their first match of the Asia Cup against Afghanistan on a well rolled Sharjah pitch, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan chose to bat.

Mujeeb struck right on time as he clean bowled one of the Bangladesh openers, Afghanistan was satisfied with their first wicket. It was a terrible start for Bangladesh and Mujeeb caused all of the harm in Sharjah.

He again smashed the stumps with a delivery that came in after pitching, and Shakib’s effort at a terrible hoick was a complete failure. Rashid Khan’s googly then dismissed Mushfiqur Rahman. Bangladesh was in absolute chaos as they continued to lose wickets consistently.

Bangladesh had 87 on the board after 15 overs. As a result of Mosaddek Hossain, that run rate drew nearer to six. Bangladesh scored 127 a relatively low total. However, at a certain point, even this seemed improbable since they just had 50 on the scoreboard after ten overs. Despite the fact that Mahmudullah contributed, Mosaddek was the one who ultimately caused the most damage. This performance will be very appreciated in Afghanistan. After bowling out Sri Lanka for 105 on the first night, they kept Bangladesh quiet as well.

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Ibrahim Zadran played an important shot. He batted deeply into the innings and empowered Najibullah Zadran at the other end to fire from all cylinders. To lower the needed rate, Najibullah shot Mahedi over deep midwicket and afterward followed it up with two or three sixes off Mustafizur in the subsequent over. He eventually hit a six to polish off the game and finished the game with 43 off only 17 balls.

Afghanistan becomes the first team to qualify for the Super-4. 👏👏
Ibraham Zadran is such a wonderful player to watch. Technically solid. And Najibullah deserves an IPL gig. Should bat higher in this AFG team too #AfgvBan #AsiaCup

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 30, 2022