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AFG won by 7 wickets

Najibullah Zadran finishes things off in style as Afghanistan have beaten Bangladesh by 7 wickets with 9 balls to spare to become the first team to make it through to the Super 4s.  Najibullah remains unbeaten on 43 off 17 balls with 6 sixes to his name. On a struggling pitch, this is mind-blowing stuff.  

Afghanistan chasing a paltry total of 128 for a place in the Super 4s, started cautiously as the Tigers gave nothing away. Zazai and Gurbaz struggled early on as they went at less than run-a-ball, for their 23 and 11 respectively. Nabi missed out as well. Ibrahim Zadran held the innings together with his 42 off 41 balls. But it was the southpaw Najibullah Zadran's magical 43 off 17 balls with 6 sixes and one four to his name that sealed the deal and deflated Shakib and his men. The two Zadrans shared an unbroken stand of 69 off 36 balls. 

Bangladesh tried their best with the ball defending a small total. Shakib kept it tight with his 1-13 in 4 overs. A wicket to Mosaddek Hossain as he kept things under check as well. Taskin was good, but Mustafizur who is the king of death bowling, and Saifuddin were taken to the cleaners by the southpaw named Najibullah Zadran. Bangladesh only gave four extras to the Afghan batters. 

It was Shakib al Hasan who won the toss and elected to bat first earlier in the game on a fresh wicket which would aid the spinners throughout the game. The top-4 of Bangladesh missed out as the two leg-spinners were unstoppable. Some of the shots played by the top-order were awful, to say the least. Out of the senior statesman, Mahmudullah scored 25. Skipper Shakib and his deputy got into double figures. It was Mosaddek Hossain’s unbeaten 48 off 31 balls alongside Mahedi Hasan’s 14 off 12 balls in a crucial partnership that took Bangladesh to 127-7 in 20 overs from 89-6 at one stage.

From Afghanistan’s point of view, it was the Mujeeb-Rashid show. Mujeeb finished with 3-16 in 4 overs while Rashid had figures of 3-22 in 4 overs. The other bowlers were tight as they kept the Tigers to 127 which was a good effort by the Afghan bowlers. Only 5 extras were given by the Afghan bowlers.  

Afghanistan wins the contest and becomes the first team to make it through to the Super 4s. Stick around for the presentation coming your way soon.  

Najibullah Zadran: "Thank you first of all, the wicket was keeping the ball a little low. I looked for the straighter region. My coach told that, I need to play my natural game. And after staying some time in the crease, I got to hit well. I just look at the bowler and try to hit well, without caring for how long the ropes are."

The presentation ceremony begins in 5 mins...

Do not go anywhere, 🙌

Time for the presentation ceremony!!

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh Captain, Losing captain): "Yes it was always tough when you lose 6-7 wickets in the early part of the game. It was tough and I think we were15-20 runs short. Credits to Afghanistan for playing good cricket. Mosaddek did well, and we needed some more contribution which didn't actually happen.

We know that Najibullah Zadran is a dangerous player. On the last 6 overs, they needed 60 odd runs. We know that the game was in our hand, but credits to the way Najibullah Zadran played."

Mohammed Nabi, Afghanistan Captain: "Yes, thanks to Allah that we won the game. Mujeeb and Rashid showed their class and that's why we picked early wickets to put pressure on the opposition. Our plan is to take early wickets and put pressure on the opposition. Yes, we have good batting depth as you said. Zazai and Gurbaz did well and Najib showed what he is capable of in the end.

Today, we lost early wickets with Gurbaz going early. Shakib bowled well. But the way Najibullah finished it off was magnificent. I am happy we have made the Super4 stage. Looking forward to it."  

Player of the match: Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4-0-16-3).

Mujeeb Ur Rahman: "Bismillah Rahman u Rahim I would like to congratulate my team, my nation everyone. The seamers were doing good in Dubai. I have been playing in Sharjah in the last couple of seasons. This is my strength and I prefer bowling in the powerplay.

All my plans was to bowl wicket to wicket, and that's what I executed."

That's a wrap on this game with Afghanistan becoming the first team to make it through to the Super 4s. India may join them tomorrow if they beat Hong Kong at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. Do join us for that game and for other cricketing action across the globe across formats. 

I am Ayan Chatterjee signing off on behalf of my esteemed co-commentator Arijit Kundu, alongside scorer/analyst Manish Bishnoi. Stay safe, happy, and cool, and until next time good night and CHEERS!