Photo: Collected
Masterful Bangladeshi bowlers restricted Afghanistan to a paltry 115 runs in their last match of the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Tuesday.
Bangladesh now need to score 116 runs in 12.1 overs to advance to the semifinal.
They must keep in mind that they can only qualify if they chase down the target within 12.1 overs, or by 12.5 overs if they tie the scores and hit a six to win. They can also qualify by chasing down the target by 12.3 overs and hitting a four to reach 119.
However, Bangladesh face a tough challenge against a strong bowling attack on a pitch that has favoured bowlers so far.
If Bangladesh win in any of these scenarios, they will advance to the semifinals. If they fail to do so and Afghanistan win, Afghanistan will reach the semifinals for the first time in history.
If Bangladesh win but take more overs than these scenarios, Australia will qualify for the semifinals.
Another concern for Bangladesh is rain. Right after Afghanistan's innings, rain began at the venue. As of 8:20 am Bangladesh time on Tuesday, rain was persistent. If overs are reduced, Bangladesh will face a new target in fewer overs.
The wicket at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown was expected to be difficult to score on. In the powerplay, Afghanistan scored only 27 runs without losing any wickets.
Bangladesh's bowlers started the match impressively. From there, Afghanistan struggled to accelerate and score quickly.
Rishad Hossain was Bangladesh's most successful bowler, taking three wickets in four overs. He didn't concede a boundary until his third over when Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit him for a four. His most successful over was his fourth, when he took two wickets while conceding only eight runs.
Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took one wicket each. Both maintained tight line and length in this match. Taskin gave away only 12 runs in four overs, while Mustafizur conceded 17 runs.
In the death overs, Rashid Khan smashed Tanzim Hasan Sakib for two sixes that helped Afghanistan pass the 110-run mark.
One fact that might boost Afghanistan's confidence is that in all four matches played at this venue, the team batting first has won.
In contrast, Bangladesh can take inspiration from history: they have never lost a World Cup match against Afghanistan in either T20 or 50-over formats.
Messenger/Fameema
