AFG vs BAN: Mujeeb and Najibullah power Afghanistan to a thumping victory

Afghanistan swatted aside Bangladesh [PC: Twitter]

Riding on Mujeeb Ur Rahman's spectacular three-fer and Najibullah Zadran's blistering knock, Afghanistan handed a crushing seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the third fixture of the Asia Cup 2022. 

Spinners' magic restricts Bangladesh to a low total

Bangladesh’s decision to bat first on a dry Sharjah deck proved costly for them, as their top order was rattled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman inside the first six overs. Things went further downhill for the Tigers as they lost two more quick wickets, which left them reeling at 53 for five in 10.3 overs. 

Mujeeb starred with the ball for AFG [PC: Twitter]

However, Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain steadied the ship for the Tigers, stitching a crucial 36-run stand for the sixth wicket. After Mahmudullah became Rashid Khan’s third victim, Mosaddek and Mahedi Hasan further added 38 runs, propelling Bangladesh to a respectable total of 127 runs. 

Mosaddek emerged as Bangladesh’s best batter, slamming a fantastic unbeaten knock of 48 runs off just 31 balls. 

Both Mujeeb and Rashid scalped three wickets apiece for Afghanistan, while the seventh dismissal came in the form of a run out. 

Najibullah's timely cameo ensured Afghanistan's victory

Najibullah and Ibrahim in action [PC: Twitter]

In reply, Afghanistan had an undesirable start, losing reliable opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz to Shakib in the fifth over. They lost two more quick wickets, which pushed them under the pump. 

However, Najibullah brought Afghanistan's hopes alive by taking all Bangladesh bowlers to the cleaners. The swashbuckling southpaw added an unbeaten 69-run stand with Ibrahim Zadran, ensuring Afghanistan's victory. His blistering knock of 43 runs involved six huge sixes and a solitary boundary. 

From Bangladesh, Shakib, Mosaddek and Saifuddin equally shared the three wickets. 

Brief Scores

Bangladesh: 127/7 (20)
Mosaddek Hossain 48* (31), Mahmudullah 25 (27)
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3/16 (4), Rashid Khan 3/22 (4)

Afghanistan: 131/3 (18.3)
Najibullah Zadran 43* (17), Ibrahim Zadran 42* (41)
Shakib Al Hasan 1/13 (4), Mosaddek Hossain 1/12 (2.3)

Afghanistan won by seven wickets. 

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