Afghanistan became the first team to qualify for Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2022 after defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in Sharjah on Tuesday (August 30).
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh managed to post only 127/7 in their 20 overs. It was a disappointing batting display as their top and middle-order failed miserably. Thanks to Mosaddek Hossain’s unbeaten 48 off 31 balls, the Tigers reached a respectable total.
Spinners once again shined with the ball for Afghanistan as the duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3-16) and Rashid Khan (3-22) picked three wickets each.
In reply, Afghanistan were struggling at 62/3 after 13 overs. Amid the pressure situation, Najibullah Zadran joined Ibrahim Zadran at the crease and the duo took the Bangladesh attack to the cleaners.
In particular, Najibullah was severe on the Bangladeshi bowlers, smashing sixes at regular intervals to bring the required run-rate down.
The southpaw eventually finished with 43* off 17 balls (1 four and 6 sixes) and was involved in an unbroken 69-run partnership with Ibrahim, who played the role of second fiddle to perfection and returned with 42 not out off 41 balls as Afghanistan overhauled the target with 9 deliveries to spare.
For his dazzling batting display, Najibullah Zadran received rich praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.
Here are the reactions:
