UPDATE 8.11 am IST (2.41 am GMT) - It seems the match is about to restart right away. We will start at 8.15 am IST (2.45 am GMT) and no overs are lost.
UPDATE 8.01 am IST (2.31 am GMT) - Covers are coming off now! Hopefully, we do get a quick restart and if so, we will certainly have a complete game given there's no further rain.
UPDATE 7.50 am IST (2.20 am GMT) - The rain is still around in St Vincent and the live visuals from the ground show that it has slowed down in intensity quite a bit. Also, if we do lose overs and it ends up being a 15-over chase, Bangladesh will have to chase down 94 runs in 7.2 overs if they were to qualify for the semifinals but that's still far away and there will be multiple scenarios as we get a clearer picture. A few minutes later and the rain has stopped which is good news. The visuals s
The race for the semifinals has reached a thrilling crescendo, and it just couldn't get more intense and nerve-wracking as Australia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all still alive in contention. However, the weather looms as a wild card that could shuffle the deck as for Afghanistan, a washout would do the job. For Bangladesh, the equation is quite straight, they must not only secure victory but do so at breakneck speed. To leapfrog both Australia and Afghanistan in terms of NRR, they need
Bangladesh unleashed a fierce opening salvo, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib peppering the Afghan openers with relentless back-of-length deliveries. The batters found themselves in constant peril, their edges repeatedly tested as the ball whistled past. Despite their aggressive tactics and pinpoint accuracy, the Bangladeshi bowlers couldn't breach the Afghan defenses during the powerplay and were a quite sloppy in the field as well. However, the game's complexion changed dramatically in
The Afghan openers found themselves in hot water against the pacers' barrage of hostile deliveries. Gurbaz and Zadran weathered the storm, though, gritting their teeth through a tense powerplay. They had several plays and misses. However, their cautious approach may not have set the scoreboard alight, but it kept their wickets intact which surely was a psychological win for the two Afghan openers. They displayed excellent running between the wickets, converting singles into doubles with sharp ju
Well, it is just getting more and more dramatic and intense out there at St Vincent as it has started to pour down very heavily now. The groundsmen bring the covers in. Afghanistan finish off with 115 runs on the board and Bangladesh would surely feel mighty proud of their bowling efforts.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, ! BANG!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, Six!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, Excellent fielding from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Who bowls the final over for Bangladesh?
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, A bit of cat and mouse between the bowler and batter. Rashid Khan moves in the crease and walks past the outside off, Mustafizur Rahman follows him with a slow and wide one. Rashid doesn't quite keep his shape and fails to play it over the off side and no wide is signaled either.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Shorter this time and at the batter's body, Karim Janat manages to fend it away towards short fine leg for a single. The 100 is finally up for Afghanistan.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Nicely bowled! Slightly back of a length over middle, some additional bounce and nipping back in off the deck as well. Karim Janat gets pegged back and beaten on the inside edge while looking to work it away.
Who bowls the penultimate over?
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, ! Rashid Khan connects and connects well!
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Rashid Khan looks to get across and pull but is beaten.
Who walks in next to bat?
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed built up enough pressure in those first three deliveries and is now rewarded with a wicket.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, A third short ball in a row and the result is exactly the same and Bangladesh are loving it. Banged in short and around off stump, angling back in, Nabi pulls and misses yet again.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, ! That is some shot! Tossed up again and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and smashes the ball away through extra cover for a boundary. End of an entertaining over.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, No run.
Karim Janat is in at number 6.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, ! CAUGHT! What a catch from Soumya Sarkar and Rishad Hossain has his third wicket.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, No run.
'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 4.
Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up full and on off stump, Mohammad Nabi hammers it flat and on the bounce to long off for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CAUGHT! Rishad Hossain with the big strike and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is left in disbelief.
Mustafizur Rahman to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hammered away!
Gulbadin Naib is in at number 4.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Good review from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman gets a timely wicket.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, What happened there? A comedy of errors out in the middle and that is poor cricket from both sides.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortens the length and bowls it over off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans back and just angles the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of runs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss! This is bowled quite full and close to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to heave it away but is well beaten.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pitched up wide of the off stump, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out and jams it back onto the deck and the ball rolls to the off side. They get a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a step forward and drives it to the bowler again.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down to the pitch of the ball and eases it back to the right of the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length, and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to backward point. Mahmudullah runs to his left from covers and stops it but couldn't restrict the double.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Nice shot!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and wide of off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to deep extra covers for one.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Valiant effort! Full in length and outside off, with a good amount of revs on it, Azmatullah Omarzai clears his front leg but slices it up in the night sky. The ball balloons but over covers. The fielder sprints in front the deep and puts in a dive forward but doesn't quite manage to get to the ball. Two taken.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full on the middle stump. Azmatullah Omarzai gets ahead and knocks it down at long on for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 7th dot in a row! Flights it up with the arm, closer to the off-pole, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it straight to backward point.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A maiden over from Taskin Ahmed! Good length and in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bangs it short and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and goes for a ramp shot over the short third but misses.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it confidently but finds covers.
Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, ! c Tanzim Hasan Sakib b Rishad Hossain.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh, the bat comes off from the hands!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Closer to the batter on a length, Ibrahim Zadran hits it back to the bowler oft the back foot.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on top of middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid on for a single.
Drinks break! The bowlers of Bangladesh have been right on the money and have asked all the tough questions to the opposition batters of Afghanistan, consistently beating the outside edges of the willow. But they just haven't found that breakthrough yet. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have negotiated those vicious deliveries and are crawling around run a ball. They have compensated those boundaries by excellent running between the wickets, turning singles into doubles. Bangladesh is
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, One more to end the over.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good follow-up delivery as well. Dishes out the slower one, bowling it up at the batter and inviting the drive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early in the shot and plays it uppishly in front of the cover fielder.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length again and around off, a bit more on the shorter side, Ibrahim Zadran lets the ball come on and dabs it down to deep third for a single.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and pulls it firmly towards deep square leg for one more.
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent hand on that one!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated up on middle and leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, On the shorter side and pushed wide of the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and taps it past the point region for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Wides!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty! Nagging length, drifted in from outside off and turning away sharply after pitching, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play off the back foot but is beaten past the outside edge.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two again but this time they won't get it, however, it's another 50-run stand between these two. On the stumps, worked away through mid-wicket for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Good pace and bounce and Bangladesh just aren't able to find those outside edges. Just short of a good length and around off stump, shooting off the deck, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it but is beaten.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Oh, this is just frustrating for Bangladesh and highly unnecessary. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one in well short and over middle, the ball flies off the deck and Litton Das leaps up getting a glove on it but it runs away to the fence.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two and they get it with ease! Bowled a bit fuller and on the pads, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and outside off stump, Ibrahim Zadran latches onto the width and hammers it away wide of deep cover for a couple of easy runs.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! Shakib Al Hasan offers a bit more air and tosses it up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes it right back over the bowler's head for a biggie.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted up a bit fuller and around off stump, Ibrahim Zadran plays it out in front of covers for another quick single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Excellent running yet again and in the end, it could have been a run out. Slower one, drifted into middle and leg and turning away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it in front of point and sets off for the single. The throw at the keeper's end is wide and Gurbaz wants to come back for two but is sent back in time.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and on off stump, sitting up for the batter, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and punches it firmly towards sweeper cover for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted ball, full and drifted onto middle, Ibrahim Zadran plays it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A beauty to end the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 27/0! Just short of a good length and on a tight line around off stump, shooting off the deck and going straight on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets taken aback as the ball zips past his outside edge.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitched up in the channel outside off and slanting across, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at that one.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Poor line from the Fizz and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does enough. This is banged in short and just down the leg side, Gurbaz gets inside the line and gets a top edge while attempting the pull and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ouch! Rahmanullah Gurbaz trying to manufacture a shot there but takes a stinging blow just near the right shoulder.
Halt!
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicely bowled first up!
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges forward and drive it to long off for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly short in length this time from Shakib, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a back foot punch but hits it uppishly and falls just on one bounce ahead of mid on.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto the ball and drives it along the carpet for a single to long off.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Not an easy chance though as it was hit so hard!
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slows it up on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran strides ahead and defends it back to the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Around the stumps, and drifting in with the arm on a length, around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran plays over the line and wears it on the thigh pad.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length again, a shy outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back on the back foot and eases it off in front of cover-point. Bangladesh bowlers have been excellent so far with their lines and lengths. Just 5 from this over.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls it for two and gets it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for the third but gets a sendback from Ibrahim! Good length, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it across towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry! Taskin Ahmed charges it, bends his back and bangs it into the pitch, short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sways away from the line and lets it go. Litton Das collects it overhead behind the stumps.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run! Good running between the wickets! Hard length, nipping into the batter on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and hurries back for the second.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Trying too hard here! Pitches it up and over the middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to hoick it across but misses to connect.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, A quick single to end the third. Angles it a bit closer to the body, on a good length, Ibrahim Zadran is on the back foot and punches it across towards widish mid on for a quick single to retain the strike.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Length-delivery on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and punches it to the off side.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, BYES! That took off from the surface! Short one again, but going over the batter's head, and even above the leaping Litton Das behind the stumps. Four byes.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This time he connects well and gets it through!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Short with that extra bounce, Ibrahim Zadran reaches it to outside off and guides it past backward point for a brace.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bye.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowling fire at the moment Taskin! Pitches it around off and nips it away on a good length, gets that extra bounce once again. Ibrahim Zadran goes for a back foot punch but gets beaten with the movement.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Continues from over the stumps, bowls it on a length, angling on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers his stumps and hops before tucking it to widish square leg for a single.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, BEATEN AGAIN! Errs in a length, in the channel of uncertainty, with an extra bit of bounce around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry for Taskin first up! Steams in from over the stumps, hurls it on a length, outside off, nipping away a shy as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes fishing at it on the back foot and gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.
Taskin Ahmed to steam in from the other end.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length, in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Ibrahim is underway too! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rides on the up and guides it through backward point for a single as the fielder in the 30-yard circle misfields and allows them to cross.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is time to get this crucial encounter underway. The umpires are out in the middle and the players of Bangladesh huddle up before taking their places on the field as well. It will be that dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...
We aren't far away from the start of the game but first, it is time for the national anthems. The two sets of players are out in the middle and it will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first followed by that of Afghanistan.
Shakib Al Hasan is up for a flash interview. He says it's an important game and they have a slim chance and will fight hard. He adds that they have nothing to lose. Says bowling wise he says he's not at his best but it can happen to anyone in the world. Overall, he thinks they have played decent cricket. Also says that in crucial tournaments like these, you need to be at your best which, they haven't. Further adds and ends up by saying that it has been tough for the batters and the bowlers need
PITCH REPORT - Lisa Sthalekar is pitchside and starts by saying that the weather has cooled down but it is quite sticky. Adds that the long hit is down the ground with 80 meters. Mpumelelo Mbangwa says that it is a used pitch and on the outside, it looks to have good bounce and carry but it isn't quite as it seems and the bowlers will have a good time bowling on it.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh says they would have bowled first so he's happy. Adds that it's an important game for them and they will have to win but stay calm and focused on the field. Says they need to execute their plans well. Also mentions that the bowling unit has been doing a good job and expects them to continue doing the same but also adds that it is crucial how they bat in this game. Informs two changes as Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed come in for Jaker Ali and Mah
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan says that they would like to bat first given the conditions. Adds that it is a proud moment for them as a team and have a great opportunity to get into the semis and it is all about getting the basics right and enjoying their games. Mentions that the team is pretty energized with that win against Australia and the mindset is also really positive. Informs that they are going with the same team.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed (In for Mahedi Hasan), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favor of Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan elects to BAT first.
UPDATE 8.11 am IST (2.41 am GMT) - It seems the match is about to restart right away. We will start at 8.15 am IST (2.45 am GMT) and no overs are lost.
UPDATE 8.01 am IST (2.31 am GMT) - Covers are coming off now! Hopefully, we do get a quick restart and if so, we will certainly have a complete game given there's no further rain.
UPDATE 7.50 am IST (2.20 am GMT) - The rain is still around in St Vincent and the live visuals from the ground show that it has slowed down in intensity quite a bit. Also, if we do lose overs and it ends up being a 15-over chase, Bangladesh will have to chase down 94 runs in 7.2 overs if they were to qualify for the semifinals but that's still far away and there will be multiple scenarios as we get a clearer picture. A few minutes later and the rain has stopped which is good news. The visuals s
The race for the semifinals has reached a thrilling crescendo, and it just couldn't get more intense and nerve-wracking as Australia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all still alive in contention. However, the weather looms as a wild card that could shuffle the deck as for Afghanistan, a washout would do the job. For Bangladesh, the equation is quite straight, they must not only secure victory but do so at breakneck speed. To leapfrog both Australia and Afghanistan in terms of NRR, they need
Bangladesh unleashed a fierce opening salvo, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib peppering the Afghan openers with relentless back-of-length deliveries. The batters found themselves in constant peril, their edges repeatedly tested as the ball whistled past. Despite their aggressive tactics and pinpoint accuracy, the Bangladeshi bowlers couldn't breach the Afghan defenses during the powerplay and were a quite sloppy in the field as well. However, the game's complexion changed dramatically in
The Afghan openers found themselves in hot water against the pacers' barrage of hostile deliveries. Gurbaz and Zadran weathered the storm, though, gritting their teeth through a tense powerplay. They had several plays and misses. However, their cautious approach may not have set the scoreboard alight, but it kept their wickets intact which surely was a psychological win for the two Afghan openers. They displayed excellent running between the wickets, converting singles into doubles with sharp ju
Well, it is just getting more and more dramatic and intense out there at St Vincent as it has started to pour down very heavily now. The groundsmen bring the covers in. Afghanistan finish off with 115 runs on the board and Bangladesh would surely feel mighty proud of their bowling efforts.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, ! BANG!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, Six!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, Excellent fielding from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Who bowls the final over for Bangladesh?
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, A bit of cat and mouse between the bowler and batter. Rashid Khan moves in the crease and walks past the outside off, Mustafizur Rahman follows him with a slow and wide one. Rashid doesn't quite keep his shape and fails to play it over the off side and no wide is signaled either.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Shorter this time and at the batter's body, Karim Janat manages to fend it away towards short fine leg for a single. The 100 is finally up for Afghanistan.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Nicely bowled! Slightly back of a length over middle, some additional bounce and nipping back in off the deck as well. Karim Janat gets pegged back and beaten on the inside edge while looking to work it away.
Who bowls the penultimate over?
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, ! Rashid Khan connects and connects well!
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Rashid Khan looks to get across and pull but is beaten.
Who walks in next to bat?
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed built up enough pressure in those first three deliveries and is now rewarded with a wicket.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, A third short ball in a row and the result is exactly the same and Bangladesh are loving it. Banged in short and around off stump, angling back in, Nabi pulls and misses yet again.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, ! That is some shot! Tossed up again and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and smashes the ball away through extra cover for a boundary. End of an entertaining over.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, No run.
Karim Janat is in at number 6.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, ! CAUGHT! What a catch from Soumya Sarkar and Rishad Hossain has his third wicket.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, No run.
'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 4.
Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up full and on off stump, Mohammad Nabi hammers it flat and on the bounce to long off for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CAUGHT! Rishad Hossain with the big strike and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is left in disbelief.
Mustafizur Rahman to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hammered away!
Gulbadin Naib is in at number 4.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Good review from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman gets a timely wicket.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, What happened there? A comedy of errors out in the middle and that is poor cricket from both sides.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortens the length and bowls it over off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans back and just angles the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of runs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss! This is bowled quite full and close to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to heave it away but is well beaten.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pitched up wide of the off stump, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out and jams it back onto the deck and the ball rolls to the off side. They get a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a step forward and drives it to the bowler again.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down to the pitch of the ball and eases it back to the right of the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length, and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to backward point. Mahmudullah runs to his left from covers and stops it but couldn't restrict the double.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Nice shot!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and wide of off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to deep extra covers for one.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Valiant effort! Full in length and outside off, with a good amount of revs on it, Azmatullah Omarzai clears his front leg but slices it up in the night sky. The ball balloons but over covers. The fielder sprints in front the deep and puts in a dive forward but doesn't quite manage to get to the ball. Two taken.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full on the middle stump. Azmatullah Omarzai gets ahead and knocks it down at long on for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 7th dot in a row! Flights it up with the arm, closer to the off-pole, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it straight to backward point.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A maiden over from Taskin Ahmed! Good length and in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bangs it short and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and goes for a ramp shot over the short third but misses.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it confidently but finds covers.
Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, ! c Tanzim Hasan Sakib b Rishad Hossain.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh, the bat comes off from the hands!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Closer to the batter on a length, Ibrahim Zadran hits it back to the bowler oft the back foot.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on top of middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid on for a single.
Drinks break! The bowlers of Bangladesh have been right on the money and have asked all the tough questions to the opposition batters of Afghanistan, consistently beating the outside edges of the willow. But they just haven't found that breakthrough yet. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have negotiated those vicious deliveries and are crawling around run a ball. They have compensated those boundaries by excellent running between the wickets, turning singles into doubles. Bangladesh is
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, One more to end the over.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good follow-up delivery as well. Dishes out the slower one, bowling it up at the batter and inviting the drive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early in the shot and plays it uppishly in front of the cover fielder.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length again and around off, a bit more on the shorter side, Ibrahim Zadran lets the ball come on and dabs it down to deep third for a single.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and pulls it firmly towards deep square leg for one more.
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent hand on that one!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated up on middle and leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, On the shorter side and pushed wide of the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and taps it past the point region for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Wides!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty! Nagging length, drifted in from outside off and turning away sharply after pitching, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play off the back foot but is beaten past the outside edge.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two again but this time they won't get it, however, it's another 50-run stand between these two. On the stumps, worked away through mid-wicket for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Good pace and bounce and Bangladesh just aren't able to find those outside edges. Just short of a good length and around off stump, shooting off the deck, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it but is beaten.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Oh, this is just frustrating for Bangladesh and highly unnecessary. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one in well short and over middle, the ball flies off the deck and Litton Das leaps up getting a glove on it but it runs away to the fence.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two and they get it with ease! Bowled a bit fuller and on the pads, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and outside off stump, Ibrahim Zadran latches onto the width and hammers it away wide of deep cover for a couple of easy runs.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! Shakib Al Hasan offers a bit more air and tosses it up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes it right back over the bowler's head for a biggie.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted up a bit fuller and around off stump, Ibrahim Zadran plays it out in front of covers for another quick single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Excellent running yet again and in the end, it could have been a run out. Slower one, drifted into middle and leg and turning away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it in front of point and sets off for the single. The throw at the keeper's end is wide and Gurbaz wants to come back for two but is sent back in time.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and on off stump, sitting up for the batter, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and punches it firmly towards sweeper cover for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted ball, full and drifted onto middle, Ibrahim Zadran plays it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A beauty to end the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 27/0! Just short of a good length and on a tight line around off stump, shooting off the deck and going straight on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets taken aback as the ball zips past his outside edge.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitched up in the channel outside off and slanting across, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at that one.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Poor line from the Fizz and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does enough. This is banged in short and just down the leg side, Gurbaz gets inside the line and gets a top edge while attempting the pull and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ouch! Rahmanullah Gurbaz trying to manufacture a shot there but takes a stinging blow just near the right shoulder.
Halt!
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicely bowled first up!
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges forward and drive it to long off for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly short in length this time from Shakib, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a back foot punch but hits it uppishly and falls just on one bounce ahead of mid on.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto the ball and drives it along the carpet for a single to long off.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Not an easy chance though as it was hit so hard!
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slows it up on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran strides ahead and defends it back to the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Around the stumps, and drifting in with the arm on a length, around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran plays over the line and wears it on the thigh pad.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length again, a shy outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back on the back foot and eases it off in front of cover-point. Bangladesh bowlers have been excellent so far with their lines and lengths. Just 5 from this over.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls it for two and gets it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for the third but gets a sendback from Ibrahim! Good length, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it across towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry! Taskin Ahmed charges it, bends his back and bangs it into the pitch, short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sways away from the line and lets it go. Litton Das collects it overhead behind the stumps.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run! Good running between the wickets! Hard length, nipping into the batter on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and hurries back for the second.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Trying too hard here! Pitches it up and over the middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to hoick it across but misses to connect.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, A quick single to end the third. Angles it a bit closer to the body, on a good length, Ibrahim Zadran is on the back foot and punches it across towards widish mid on for a quick single to retain the strike.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Length-delivery on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and punches it to the off side.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, BYES! That took off from the surface! Short one again, but going over the batter's head, and even above the leaping Litton Das behind the stumps. Four byes.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This time he connects well and gets it through!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Short with that extra bounce, Ibrahim Zadran reaches it to outside off and guides it past backward point for a brace.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bye.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowling fire at the moment Taskin! Pitches it around off and nips it away on a good length, gets that extra bounce once again. Ibrahim Zadran goes for a back foot punch but gets beaten with the movement.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Continues from over the stumps, bowls it on a length, angling on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers his stumps and hops before tucking it to widish square leg for a single.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, BEATEN AGAIN! Errs in a length, in the channel of uncertainty, with an extra bit of bounce around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry for Taskin first up! Steams in from over the stumps, hurls it on a length, outside off, nipping away a shy as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes fishing at it on the back foot and gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.
Taskin Ahmed to steam in from the other end.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length, in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Ibrahim is underway too! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rides on the up and guides it through backward point for a single as the fielder in the 30-yard circle misfields and allows them to cross.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is time to get this crucial encounter underway. The umpires are out in the middle and the players of Bangladesh huddle up before taking their places on the field as well. It will be that dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...
We aren't far away from the start of the game but first, it is time for the national anthems. The two sets of players are out in the middle and it will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first followed by that of Afghanistan.
Shakib Al Hasan is up for a flash interview. He says it's an important game and they have a slim chance and will fight hard. He adds that they have nothing to lose. Says bowling wise he says he's not at his best but it can happen to anyone in the world. Overall, he thinks they have played decent cricket. Also says that in crucial tournaments like these, you need to be at your best which, they haven't. Further adds and ends up by saying that it has been tough for the batters and the bowlers need
PITCH REPORT - Lisa Sthalekar is pitchside and starts by saying that the weather has cooled down but it is quite sticky. Adds that the long hit is down the ground with 80 meters. Mpumelelo Mbangwa says that it is a used pitch and on the outside, it looks to have good bounce and carry but it isn't quite as it seems and the bowlers will have a good time bowling on it.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh says they would have bowled first so he's happy. Adds that it's an important game for them and they will have to win but stay calm and focused on the field. Says they need to execute their plans well. Also mentions that the bowling unit has been doing a good job and expects them to continue doing the same but also adds that it is crucial how they bat in this game. Informs two changes as Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed come in for Jaker Ali and Mah
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan says that they would like to bat first given the conditions. Adds that it is a proud moment for them as a team and have a great opportunity to get into the semis and it is all about getting the basics right and enjoying their games. Mentions that the team is pretty energized with that win against Australia and the mindset is also really positive. Informs that they are going with the same team.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed (In for Mahedi Hasan), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favor of Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan elects to BAT first.
12
Diabytes
Bangladesh
105/10(17.5 Overs)
UPDATE 8.11 am IST (2.41 am GMT) - It seems the match is about to restart right away. We will start at 8.15 am IST (2.45 am GMT) and no overs are lost.
UPDATE 8.01 am IST (2.31 am GMT) - Covers are coming off now! Hopefully, we do get a quick restart and if so, we will certainly have a complete game given there's no further rain.
UPDATE 7.50 am IST (2.20 am GMT) - The rain is still around in St Vincent and the live visuals from the ground show that it has slowed down in intensity quite a bit. Also, if we do lose overs and it ends up being a 15-over chase, Bangladesh will have to chase down 94 runs in 7.2 overs if they were to qualify for the semifinals but that's still far away and there will be multiple scenarios as we get a clearer picture. A few minutes later and the rain has stopped which is good news. The visuals s
The race for the semifinals has reached a thrilling crescendo, and it just couldn't get more intense and nerve-wracking as Australia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all still alive in contention. However, the weather looms as a wild card that could shuffle the deck as for Afghanistan, a washout would do the job. For Bangladesh, the equation is quite straight, they must not only secure victory but do so at breakneck speed. To leapfrog both Australia and Afghanistan in terms of NRR, they need
Bangladesh unleashed a fierce opening salvo, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib peppering the Afghan openers with relentless back-of-length deliveries. The batters found themselves in constant peril, their edges repeatedly tested as the ball whistled past. Despite their aggressive tactics and pinpoint accuracy, the Bangladeshi bowlers couldn't breach the Afghan defenses during the powerplay and were a quite sloppy in the field as well. However, the game's complexion changed dramatically in
The Afghan openers found themselves in hot water against the pacers' barrage of hostile deliveries. Gurbaz and Zadran weathered the storm, though, gritting their teeth through a tense powerplay. They had several plays and misses. However, their cautious approach may not have set the scoreboard alight, but it kept their wickets intact which surely was a psychological win for the two Afghan openers. They displayed excellent running between the wickets, converting singles into doubles with sharp ju
Well, it is just getting more and more dramatic and intense out there at St Vincent as it has started to pour down very heavily now. The groundsmen bring the covers in. Afghanistan finish off with 115 runs on the board and Bangladesh would surely feel mighty proud of their bowling efforts.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, ! BANG!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, Six!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, Excellent fielding from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Who bowls the final over for Bangladesh?
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, A bit of cat and mouse between the bowler and batter. Rashid Khan moves in the crease and walks past the outside off, Mustafizur Rahman follows him with a slow and wide one. Rashid doesn't quite keep his shape and fails to play it over the off side and no wide is signaled either.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Shorter this time and at the batter's body, Karim Janat manages to fend it away towards short fine leg for a single. The 100 is finally up for Afghanistan.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Nicely bowled! Slightly back of a length over middle, some additional bounce and nipping back in off the deck as well. Karim Janat gets pegged back and beaten on the inside edge while looking to work it away.
Who bowls the penultimate over?
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, ! Rashid Khan connects and connects well!
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Rashid Khan looks to get across and pull but is beaten.
Who walks in next to bat?
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed built up enough pressure in those first three deliveries and is now rewarded with a wicket.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, A third short ball in a row and the result is exactly the same and Bangladesh are loving it. Banged in short and around off stump, angling back in, Nabi pulls and misses yet again.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, ! That is some shot! Tossed up again and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and smashes the ball away through extra cover for a boundary. End of an entertaining over.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, No run.
Karim Janat is in at number 6.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, ! CAUGHT! What a catch from Soumya Sarkar and Rishad Hossain has his third wicket.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, No run.
'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 4.
Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up full and on off stump, Mohammad Nabi hammers it flat and on the bounce to long off for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CAUGHT! Rishad Hossain with the big strike and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is left in disbelief.
Mustafizur Rahman to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hammered away!
Gulbadin Naib is in at number 4.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Good review from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman gets a timely wicket.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, What happened there? A comedy of errors out in the middle and that is poor cricket from both sides.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortens the length and bowls it over off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans back and just angles the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of runs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss! This is bowled quite full and close to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to heave it away but is well beaten.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pitched up wide of the off stump, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out and jams it back onto the deck and the ball rolls to the off side. They get a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a step forward and drives it to the bowler again.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down to the pitch of the ball and eases it back to the right of the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length, and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to backward point. Mahmudullah runs to his left from covers and stops it but couldn't restrict the double.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Nice shot!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and wide of off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to deep extra covers for one.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Valiant effort! Full in length and outside off, with a good amount of revs on it, Azmatullah Omarzai clears his front leg but slices it up in the night sky. The ball balloons but over covers. The fielder sprints in front the deep and puts in a dive forward but doesn't quite manage to get to the ball. Two taken.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full on the middle stump. Azmatullah Omarzai gets ahead and knocks it down at long on for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 7th dot in a row! Flights it up with the arm, closer to the off-pole, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it straight to backward point.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A maiden over from Taskin Ahmed! Good length and in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bangs it short and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and goes for a ramp shot over the short third but misses.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it confidently but finds covers.
Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, ! c Tanzim Hasan Sakib b Rishad Hossain.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh, the bat comes off from the hands!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Closer to the batter on a length, Ibrahim Zadran hits it back to the bowler oft the back foot.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on top of middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid on for a single.
Drinks break! The bowlers of Bangladesh have been right on the money and have asked all the tough questions to the opposition batters of Afghanistan, consistently beating the outside edges of the willow. But they just haven't found that breakthrough yet. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have negotiated those vicious deliveries and are crawling around run a ball. They have compensated those boundaries by excellent running between the wickets, turning singles into doubles. Bangladesh is
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, One more to end the over.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good follow-up delivery as well. Dishes out the slower one, bowling it up at the batter and inviting the drive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early in the shot and plays it uppishly in front of the cover fielder.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length again and around off, a bit more on the shorter side, Ibrahim Zadran lets the ball come on and dabs it down to deep third for a single.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and pulls it firmly towards deep square leg for one more.
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent hand on that one!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated up on middle and leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, On the shorter side and pushed wide of the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and taps it past the point region for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Wides!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty! Nagging length, drifted in from outside off and turning away sharply after pitching, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play off the back foot but is beaten past the outside edge.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two again but this time they won't get it, however, it's another 50-run stand between these two. On the stumps, worked away through mid-wicket for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Good pace and bounce and Bangladesh just aren't able to find those outside edges. Just short of a good length and around off stump, shooting off the deck, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it but is beaten.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Oh, this is just frustrating for Bangladesh and highly unnecessary. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one in well short and over middle, the ball flies off the deck and Litton Das leaps up getting a glove on it but it runs away to the fence.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two and they get it with ease! Bowled a bit fuller and on the pads, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and outside off stump, Ibrahim Zadran latches onto the width and hammers it away wide of deep cover for a couple of easy runs.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! Shakib Al Hasan offers a bit more air and tosses it up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes it right back over the bowler's head for a biggie.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted up a bit fuller and around off stump, Ibrahim Zadran plays it out in front of covers for another quick single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Excellent running yet again and in the end, it could have been a run out. Slower one, drifted into middle and leg and turning away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it in front of point and sets off for the single. The throw at the keeper's end is wide and Gurbaz wants to come back for two but is sent back in time.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and on off stump, sitting up for the batter, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and punches it firmly towards sweeper cover for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted ball, full and drifted onto middle, Ibrahim Zadran plays it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A beauty to end the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 27/0! Just short of a good length and on a tight line around off stump, shooting off the deck and going straight on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets taken aback as the ball zips past his outside edge.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitched up in the channel outside off and slanting across, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at that one.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Poor line from the Fizz and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does enough. This is banged in short and just down the leg side, Gurbaz gets inside the line and gets a top edge while attempting the pull and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ouch! Rahmanullah Gurbaz trying to manufacture a shot there but takes a stinging blow just near the right shoulder.
Halt!
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicely bowled first up!
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges forward and drive it to long off for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly short in length this time from Shakib, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a back foot punch but hits it uppishly and falls just on one bounce ahead of mid on.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto the ball and drives it along the carpet for a single to long off.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Not an easy chance though as it was hit so hard!
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slows it up on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran strides ahead and defends it back to the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Around the stumps, and drifting in with the arm on a length, around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran plays over the line and wears it on the thigh pad.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length again, a shy outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back on the back foot and eases it off in front of cover-point. Bangladesh bowlers have been excellent so far with their lines and lengths. Just 5 from this over.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls it for two and gets it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for the third but gets a sendback from Ibrahim! Good length, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it across towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry! Taskin Ahmed charges it, bends his back and bangs it into the pitch, short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sways away from the line and lets it go. Litton Das collects it overhead behind the stumps.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run! Good running between the wickets! Hard length, nipping into the batter on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and hurries back for the second.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Trying too hard here! Pitches it up and over the middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to hoick it across but misses to connect.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, A quick single to end the third. Angles it a bit closer to the body, on a good length, Ibrahim Zadran is on the back foot and punches it across towards widish mid on for a quick single to retain the strike.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Length-delivery on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and punches it to the off side.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, BYES! That took off from the surface! Short one again, but going over the batter's head, and even above the leaping Litton Das behind the stumps. Four byes.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This time he connects well and gets it through!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Short with that extra bounce, Ibrahim Zadran reaches it to outside off and guides it past backward point for a brace.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bye.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowling fire at the moment Taskin! Pitches it around off and nips it away on a good length, gets that extra bounce once again. Ibrahim Zadran goes for a back foot punch but gets beaten with the movement.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Continues from over the stumps, bowls it on a length, angling on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers his stumps and hops before tucking it to widish square leg for a single.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, BEATEN AGAIN! Errs in a length, in the channel of uncertainty, with an extra bit of bounce around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry for Taskin first up! Steams in from over the stumps, hurls it on a length, outside off, nipping away a shy as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes fishing at it on the back foot and gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.
Taskin Ahmed to steam in from the other end.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length, in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Ibrahim is underway too! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rides on the up and guides it through backward point for a single as the fielder in the 30-yard circle misfields and allows them to cross.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is time to get this crucial encounter underway. The umpires are out in the middle and the players of Bangladesh huddle up before taking their places on the field as well. It will be that dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...
We aren't far away from the start of the game but first, it is time for the national anthems. The two sets of players are out in the middle and it will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first followed by that of Afghanistan.
Shakib Al Hasan is up for a flash interview. He says it's an important game and they have a slim chance and will fight hard. He adds that they have nothing to lose. Says bowling wise he says he's not at his best but it can happen to anyone in the world. Overall, he thinks they have played decent cricket. Also says that in crucial tournaments like these, you need to be at your best which, they haven't. Further adds and ends up by saying that it has been tough for the batters and the bowlers need
PITCH REPORT - Lisa Sthalekar is pitchside and starts by saying that the weather has cooled down but it is quite sticky. Adds that the long hit is down the ground with 80 meters. Mpumelelo Mbangwa says that it is a used pitch and on the outside, it looks to have good bounce and carry but it isn't quite as it seems and the bowlers will have a good time bowling on it.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh says they would have bowled first so he's happy. Adds that it's an important game for them and they will have to win but stay calm and focused on the field. Says they need to execute their plans well. Also mentions that the bowling unit has been doing a good job and expects them to continue doing the same but also adds that it is crucial how they bat in this game. Informs two changes as Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed come in for Jaker Ali and Mah
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan says that they would like to bat first given the conditions. Adds that it is a proud moment for them as a team and have a great opportunity to get into the semis and it is all about getting the basics right and enjoying their games. Mentions that the team is pretty energized with that win against Australia and the mindset is also really positive. Informs that they are going with the same team.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed (In for Mahedi Hasan), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favor of Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan elects to BAT first.
UPDATE 8.11 am IST (2.41 am GMT) - It seems the match is about to restart right away. We will start at 8.15 am IST (2.45 am GMT) and no overs are lost.
UPDATE 8.01 am IST (2.31 am GMT) - Covers are coming off now! Hopefully, we do get a quick restart and if so, we will certainly have a complete game given there's no further rain.
UPDATE 7.50 am IST (2.20 am GMT) - The rain is still around in St Vincent and the live visuals from the ground show that it has slowed down in intensity quite a bit. Also, if we do lose overs and it ends up being a 15-over chase, Bangladesh will have to chase down 94 runs in 7.2 overs if they were to qualify for the semifinals but that's still far away and there will be multiple scenarios as we get a clearer picture. A few minutes later and the rain has stopped which is good news. The visuals s
The race for the semifinals has reached a thrilling crescendo, and it just couldn't get more intense and nerve-wracking as Australia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all still alive in contention. However, the weather looms as a wild card that could shuffle the deck as for Afghanistan, a washout would do the job. For Bangladesh, the equation is quite straight, they must not only secure victory but do so at breakneck speed. To leapfrog both Australia and Afghanistan in terms of NRR, they need
Bangladesh unleashed a fierce opening salvo, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib peppering the Afghan openers with relentless back-of-length deliveries. The batters found themselves in constant peril, their edges repeatedly tested as the ball whistled past. Despite their aggressive tactics and pinpoint accuracy, the Bangladeshi bowlers couldn't breach the Afghan defenses during the powerplay and were a quite sloppy in the field as well. However, the game's complexion changed dramatically in
The Afghan openers found themselves in hot water against the pacers' barrage of hostile deliveries. Gurbaz and Zadran weathered the storm, though, gritting their teeth through a tense powerplay. They had several plays and misses. However, their cautious approach may not have set the scoreboard alight, but it kept their wickets intact which surely was a psychological win for the two Afghan openers. They displayed excellent running between the wickets, converting singles into doubles with sharp ju
Well, it is just getting more and more dramatic and intense out there at St Vincent as it has started to pour down very heavily now. The groundsmen bring the covers in. Afghanistan finish off with 115 runs on the board and Bangladesh would surely feel mighty proud of their bowling efforts.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, ! BANG!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rashid Khan, Six!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Karim Janat, Excellent fielding from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Who bowls the final over for Bangladesh?
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, A bit of cat and mouse between the bowler and batter. Rashid Khan moves in the crease and walks past the outside off, Mustafizur Rahman follows him with a slow and wide one. Rashid doesn't quite keep his shape and fails to play it over the off side and no wide is signaled either.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rashid Khan, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Shorter this time and at the batter's body, Karim Janat manages to fend it away towards short fine leg for a single. The 100 is finally up for Afghanistan.
Mustafizur Rahman to Karim Janat, Nicely bowled! Slightly back of a length over middle, some additional bounce and nipping back in off the deck as well. Karim Janat gets pegged back and beaten on the inside edge while looking to work it away.
Who bowls the penultimate over?
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, ! Rashid Khan connects and connects well!
Taskin Ahmed to Rashid Khan, Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Rashid Khan looks to get across and pull but is beaten.
Who walks in next to bat?
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed built up enough pressure in those first three deliveries and is now rewarded with a wicket.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, A third short ball in a row and the result is exactly the same and Bangladesh are loving it. Banged in short and around off stump, angling back in, Nabi pulls and misses yet again.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nabi, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, ! That is some shot! Tossed up again and outside off, Karim Janat leans on and smashes the ball away through extra cover for a boundary. End of an entertaining over.
Rishad Hossain to Karim Janat, No run.
Karim Janat is in at number 6.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, ! CAUGHT! What a catch from Soumya Sarkar and Rishad Hossain has his third wicket.
Rishad Hossain to Gulbadin Naib, No run.
'The President' Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 4.
Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up full and on off stump, Mohammad Nabi hammers it flat and on the bounce to long off for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CAUGHT! Rishad Hossain with the big strike and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is left in disbelief.
Mustafizur Rahman to Gulbadin Naib, ! Hammered away!
Gulbadin Naib is in at number 4.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Good review from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman gets a timely wicket.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, What happened there? A comedy of errors out in the middle and that is poor cricket from both sides.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortens the length and bowls it over off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans back and just angles the ball away wide of deep third for a couple of runs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss! This is bowled quite full and close to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to heave it away but is well beaten.
Mustafizur Rahman to Azmatullah Omarzai, Pitched up wide of the off stump, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out and jams it back onto the deck and the ball rolls to the off side. They get a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a step forward and drives it to the bowler again.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down to the pitch of the ball and eases it back to the right of the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length, and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to backward point. Mahmudullah runs to his left from covers and stops it but couldn't restrict the double.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Nice shot!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Full and wide outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles and sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and wide of off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to deep extra covers for one.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Valiant effort! Full in length and outside off, with a good amount of revs on it, Azmatullah Omarzai clears his front leg but slices it up in the night sky. The ball balloons but over covers. The fielder sprints in front the deep and puts in a dive forward but doesn't quite manage to get to the ball. Two taken.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full on the middle stump. Azmatullah Omarzai gets ahead and knocks it down at long on for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Azmatullah Omarzai, 7th dot in a row! Flights it up with the arm, closer to the off-pole, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it straight to backward point.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A maiden over from Taskin Ahmed! Good length and in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides on the bounce and defends it to the bowler.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bangs it short and well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and goes for a ramp shot over the short third but misses.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it confidently but finds covers.
Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, ! c Tanzim Hasan Sakib b Rishad Hossain.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh, the bat comes off from the hands!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Closer to the batter on a length, Ibrahim Zadran hits it back to the bowler oft the back foot.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on top of middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid on for a single.
Drinks break! The bowlers of Bangladesh have been right on the money and have asked all the tough questions to the opposition batters of Afghanistan, consistently beating the outside edges of the willow. But they just haven't found that breakthrough yet. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have negotiated those vicious deliveries and are crawling around run a ball. They have compensated those boundaries by excellent running between the wickets, turning singles into doubles. Bangladesh is
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, One more to end the over.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good follow-up delivery as well. Dishes out the slower one, bowling it up at the batter and inviting the drive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early in the shot and plays it uppishly in front of the cover fielder.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length again and around off, a bit more on the shorter side, Ibrahim Zadran lets the ball come on and dabs it down to deep third for a single.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets across and pulls it firmly towards deep square leg for one more.
Mustafizur Rahman to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent hand on that one!
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated up on middle and leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, On the shorter side and pushed wide of the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and taps it past the point region for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Wides!
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Rishad Hossain to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty! Nagging length, drifted in from outside off and turning away sharply after pitching, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play off the back foot but is beaten past the outside edge.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two again but this time they won't get it, however, it's another 50-run stand between these two. On the stumps, worked away through mid-wicket for a single.
Rishad Hossain to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Good pace and bounce and Bangladesh just aren't able to find those outside edges. Just short of a good length and around off stump, shooting off the deck, Ibrahim Zadran looks to play at it but is beaten.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FIVE WIDES! Oh, this is just frustrating for Bangladesh and highly unnecessary. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs this one in well short and over middle, the ball flies off the deck and Litton Das leaps up getting a glove on it but it runs away to the fence.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, The call is for two and they get it with ease! Bowled a bit fuller and on the pads, slower too, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and outside off stump, Ibrahim Zadran latches onto the width and hammers it away wide of deep cover for a couple of easy runs.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! BANG! Shakib Al Hasan offers a bit more air and tosses it up on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes it right back over the bowler's head for a biggie.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted up a bit fuller and around off stump, Ibrahim Zadran plays it out in front of covers for another quick single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Excellent running yet again and in the end, it could have been a run out. Slower one, drifted into middle and leg and turning away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it in front of point and sets off for the single. The throw at the keeper's end is wide and Gurbaz wants to come back for two but is sent back in time.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Short and on off stump, sitting up for the batter, Ibrahim Zadran rocks back and punches it firmly towards sweeper cover for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted ball, full and drifted onto middle, Ibrahim Zadran plays it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A beauty to end the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 27/0! Just short of a good length and on a tight line around off stump, shooting off the deck and going straight on. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets taken aback as the ball zips past his outside edge.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitched up in the channel outside off and slanting across, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at that one.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Poor line from the Fizz and Rahmanullah Gurbaz does enough. This is banged in short and just down the leg side, Gurbaz gets inside the line and gets a top edge while attempting the pull and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ouch! Rahmanullah Gurbaz trying to manufacture a shot there but takes a stinging blow just near the right shoulder.
Halt!
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
Mustafizur Rahman to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicely bowled first up!
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges forward and drive it to long off for a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly short in length this time from Shakib, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for a back foot punch but hits it uppishly and falls just on one bounce ahead of mid on.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted one outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto the ball and drives it along the carpet for a single to long off.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Not an easy chance though as it was hit so hard!
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Slows it up on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran strides ahead and defends it back to the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Ibrahim Zadran, Around the stumps, and drifting in with the arm on a length, around middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran plays over the line and wears it on the thigh pad.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length again, a shy outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back on the back foot and eases it off in front of cover-point. Bangladesh bowlers have been excellent so far with their lines and lengths. Just 5 from this over.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls it for two and gets it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is up for the third but gets a sendback from Ibrahim! Good length, on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it across towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second.Â
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry! Taskin Ahmed charges it, bends his back and bangs it into the pitch, short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sways away from the line and lets it go. Litton Das collects it overhead behind the stumps.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Drop and run! Good running between the wickets! Hard length, nipping into the batter on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and hurries back for the second.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Trying too hard here! Pitches it up and over the middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to hoick it across but misses to connect.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, A quick single to end the third. Angles it a bit closer to the body, on a good length, Ibrahim Zadran is on the back foot and punches it across towards widish mid on for a quick single to retain the strike.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Length-delivery on the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran hops back and punches it to the off side.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, BYES! That took off from the surface! Short one again, but going over the batter's head, and even above the leaping Litton Das behind the stumps. Four byes.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, ! This time he connects well and gets it through!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Short with that extra bounce, Ibrahim Zadran reaches it to outside off and guides it past backward point for a brace.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bye.
Taskin Ahmed to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowling fire at the moment Taskin! Pitches it around off and nips it away on a good length, gets that extra bounce once again. Ibrahim Zadran goes for a back foot punch but gets beaten with the movement.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Continues from over the stumps, bowls it on a length, angling on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers his stumps and hops before tucking it to widish square leg for a single.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, BEATEN AGAIN! Errs in a length, in the channel of uncertainty, with an extra bit of bounce around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.
Taskin Ahmed to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good bounce and carry for Taskin first up! Steams in from over the stumps, hurls it on a length, outside off, nipping away a shy as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes fishing at it on the back foot and gets beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.
Taskin Ahmed to steam in from the other end.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Swing and a miss!
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length, in the channel of off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, Ibrahim is underway too! Back of a length, and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran rides on the up and guides it through backward point for a single as the fielder in the 30-yard circle misfields and allows them to cross.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.
Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is time to get this crucial encounter underway. The umpires are out in the middle and the players of Bangladesh huddle up before taking their places on the field as well. It will be that dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...
We aren't far away from the start of the game but first, it is time for the national anthems. The two sets of players are out in the middle and it will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first followed by that of Afghanistan.
Shakib Al Hasan is up for a flash interview. He says it's an important game and they have a slim chance and will fight hard. He adds that they have nothing to lose. Says bowling wise he says he's not at his best but it can happen to anyone in the world. Overall, he thinks they have played decent cricket. Also says that in crucial tournaments like these, you need to be at your best which, they haven't. Further adds and ends up by saying that it has been tough for the batters and the bowlers need
PITCH REPORT - Lisa Sthalekar is pitchside and starts by saying that the weather has cooled down but it is quite sticky. Adds that the long hit is down the ground with 80 meters. Mpumelelo Mbangwa says that it is a used pitch and on the outside, it looks to have good bounce and carry but it isn't quite as it seems and the bowlers will have a good time bowling on it.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh says they would have bowled first so he's happy. Adds that it's an important game for them and they will have to win but stay calm and focused on the field. Says they need to execute their plans well. Also mentions that the bowling unit has been doing a good job and expects them to continue doing the same but also adds that it is crucial how they bat in this game. Informs two changes as Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed come in for Jaker Ali and Mah
Rashid Khan, the captain of Afghanistan says that they would like to bat first given the conditions. Adds that it is a proud moment for them as a team and have a great opportunity to get into the semis and it is all about getting the basics right and enjoying their games. Mentions that the team is pretty energized with that win against Australia and the mindset is also really positive. Informs that they are going with the same team.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed (In for Mahedi Hasan), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favor of Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan elects to BAT first.