In the third ODI against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday (November 11), Bangladesh opted to bat first, looking to establish a strong foundation. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar provided a brisk start, putting on a solid 53-run opening partnership. However, their quick dismissals shortly afterward left Bangladesh in a vulnerable position at 58/2 by the 11th over.
Miscommunication leads to a costly run-out of Zakir Hasan
The critical turning point arrived on the third ball of the 11th over, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz on strike facing Azmatullah Omarzai. Mehidy defended a well-directed back-of-length delivery that straightened after pitching, causing him to lose balance momentarily. In a quick reflex, he tapped the ball toward the point region and took a couple of steps forward, signaling a potential single. Zakir Hasan, sensing the opportunity, sprinted down the pitch.
Nevertheless, as Mehidy reconsidered, he called Zakir back, but by then, Nangeyalia Kharote at point had already acted swiftly. Kharote gathered the ball cleanly and delivered a precise throw, hitting the stumps at the bowler’s end. Zakir, caught too far down the pitch, was run out, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position at 58/3, struggling to regain momentum.
Here’s the video:
BULLS EYE! 🎯#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvBAN | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/oeuiF9Gj4I
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 11, 2024
Also READ: AFG vs BAN: Here’s why Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taskin Ahmed are not playing the third ODI
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah’s Steadying Role for Bangladesh
After the unfortunate run-out of Zakir, captain Mehidy Hasan and seasoned batter Mahmudullah came together to stabilize the innings. Facing Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, including the challenging spin duo of Rashid Khan and Kharote, Mehidy and Mahmudullah focused on building a partnership, aiming to guide Bangladesh to a respectable score. By the 33rd over at drinks, Bangladesh reached 138/4, with the duo adopting a cautious approach on the slow Sharjah pitch. Extras contributed a useful 12 runs, indicating occasional lapses in Afghanistan’s bowling discipline, which Bangladesh hoped to exploit in the remaining overs.
Also READ: Mushfiqur Rahim misses out as Bangladesh announces 15-man squad for the Test series against West Indies
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