Bangladesh edge Afghanistan by 8 runs to keep Asia Cup hopes alive

Bangladesh held on for an eight-run win over Afghanistan in a tense Asia Cup clash, keeping their chances of qualification alive.

Defending 155, Bangladesh struck with the first ball of the innings when Nasum Ahmed trapped Sediqullah Atal lbw. Afghanistan struggled in the powerplay, managing only 27 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to anchor the chase with 35 off 31 balls, but fell soon after the drinks break, triggering a collapse. The Afghan middle order faltered as Bangladesh’s spinners tightened the screws.

Nasum finished with figures of 2-9, while Rishad Hossain took 2-18. Taskin Ahmed, recalled to the side, picked up two wickets as well. The standout was Mustafizur Rahman, who struck at key moments in the death overs and ended with 3-28.

Earlier, Bangladesh were restricted to 154-5 despite a flying start. Tanzid Hasan smashed a 31-ball 52, earning player of the match honors. Saif Hassan scored 30 and Towhid Hridoy added 26, but Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, pegged them back in the middle overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai gave Afghanistan late hope with a brisk 30 from 16 balls, while captain Rashid Khan added 20 off 11. But Mustafizur’s double strike in the 19th over sealed Bangladesh’s win as Afghanistan were bowled out for 146.

Bangladesh now remain in contention for the next round, while Afghanistan face an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.