Abu Dhabi: Mustafizur Rahman (2/44) held his nerve to bowl a fantastic final over as Bangladesh eked out a three-run win over a gutsy Afghanistan here Sunday to stay afloat in the race for the Asia Cup final.
Afghanistan needed eight runs off the final over but experienced paceman Mustafizur conceded only four and also dismissed dangerous Rashid Khan (5).
Afghanistan looked well in control with Hashmatullah (71, 99b, 5×4) and captain Asghar Afghan (39, 47b, 2×4) going very strong after losing three wickets. They stitched a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicker but Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza (2/62) dismissed both to puncture Afghanistan hopes.
Mohammad Nabi (38) and Samiullah Shenwari (23 n o) produced a quick-fire 46-run stand for the sixth wicket but that was not enough as they ended with 246 for seven, while chasing 250.
Mahmudullah (74 and 1/17) made it a memorable match for himself. After batting well at crucial juncture, he dismissed Afghanistan opener Mohammad Shahzad (53, 81b, 8×4). Bangladesh now need to beat Pakistan Wednesday to qualify for the summit clash.
Earlier Afghanistan bowlers could not capitalise on a dominant start upfront and allowed Bangladesh to score a competitive 249 for seven with Mahmudullah and Imrul Kayes (72 n o, 89b, 6×4 repairing the innings with fighting half centuries. Bangladesh managed 249 for seven in the allotted overs.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 249/7 (Mahmudullah 74, Imrul Kayes 72 n o; Aftab Alam 3/54) bt Afghanistan 246/7 (Hashmatullah Shahidi 71; Mustafizur Rahman 2/44) by three runs.
