Abu Dhabi:Bangladesh was bowled out for 160 runs in 41.2 overs against Afghanistan during their tri-series match in Abu Dhabi. The team faced a significant collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 39 runs after a promising partnership between Parvez Hossain and Saif Hassan.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh needs to secure a victory over Afghanistan by at least 41 runs to qualify for the final. Parvez Hossain emerged as the top scorer for Bangladesh, contributing 70 runs off 96 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. Saif Hassan supported with 41 runs off 82 balls. Their partnership helped Bangladesh recover from a precarious position of 28 for four to reach 121 runs.
The promising stand ended when Saif attempted a big shot off Mohammad Nabi and was caught at midwicket. This dismissal triggered a collapse, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz falling for two runs, caught at backward square leg off Bilal Sami. The team's score was 124 for six after 33 overs.
Rashid Khan played a pivotal role in the bowling attack. He bowled Shoriful Islam for seven and trapped Parvez leg before wicket for 70, with Parvez unsuccessfully reviewing the decision. Rashid continued his impressive performance by having Aliss Al Islam caught at slip by Nabi and bowling Mustafizur Rahman on the next ball, completing a double-wicket blow.
Bangladesh faced difficulties from the outset, with captain Towhid Hridoy opting to bat first after winning the toss. Early wickets fell as Tanzid Hasan was caught behind off Yamin Ahmadzai, and Soumya Sarkar was bowled the next ball, leaving Bangladesh at eight for two within the first two overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Hridoy also fell cheaply, leaving the team at 28 for four in seven overs.
In an effort to strengthen the team, Bangladesh made three changes from their previous lineup against Zimbabwe, bringing in Parvez, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Aliss Al Islam in place of Rishad Hossain, Nurul Hasan, and Mosaddek Hossain.