Unforgettable performances that defined the rivalry between Afghanistan and Bangladesh
The picturesque Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, prepares to host a high-octane encounter. Afghanistan and Bangladesh lock horns in a crucial Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan, riding high after their thrilling victory over Australia, needs just one more win to secure a coveted semi-final berth in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, on the other hand, finds itself in a must-win situation. A defeat here would signal a premature exit from the tournament.
As fans gear up for a nail-biting contest, we delve into the history books, revisiting some of the most awe-inspiring batting displays witnessed in T20I clashes between these two cricketing nations.
September 15th, 2019, at Mirpur, witnessed a one-man show by Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi. With his team precariously placed at 40 for 4, Nabi strode to the crease with quiet confidence. He then launched a brutal assault, bludgeoning seven towering sixes and three scorching fours in a scintillating 84 off just 54 balls (a strike rate of a staggering 155.56).
Credit: ABP News
Nabi firing against Bangladesh
His knock added a match-winning 79 runs for the fifth wicket with Asghar Afghan, effectively snatching the game away from Bangladesh. Afghanistan romped home to a comfortable 25-run victory, a testament to Nabi's sheer power-hitting prowess.
Just six days later, the scene shifted to Chattogram. Bangladesh, chasing a modest target of 139, found themselves in a spot of bother at 104 for 6. Enter their batting mainstay, Shakib Al Hasan. He played a captain's knock, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 70 off 45 balls (strike rate of 155.56).
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Credit: NDTV
Bangladesh very much relay on Shakib to qualify to the semis
His calculated strokeplay, laced with eight elegant fours and a booming six, helped Bangladesh weather the storm of Afghanistan's spinners. Shakib's valiant knock snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, proving that experience and composure are just as valuable as brute force.
March 3rd, 2022, saw Litton Das weave his magic at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh, desperate to end an eight-match losing streak in T20Is, found their hero in Das. He blazed a trail with a stroke-filled 60, the cornerstone of a convincing 61-run victory.
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Credit: ESPNcricinfo
Litton needs to get back in form for the clash
Das's knock was all the more crucial as he weathered an early onslaught from Afghanistan's pace attack. His innings, a blend of elegance and aggression, proved that Bangladesh possessed the firepower to match any opposition.
Just two days later, in the same stadium, HazratullahZazai played the role of the protagonist. After a defeat in the first T20I, Afghanistan needed a response. Zazai provided it in emphatic fashion. He capitalised on Bangladesh's sloppy fielding, scoring an unbeaten 59.
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Credit: ESPNcricinfo
Zazai taking on Bangladesh bowlers
His knock, laced with maturity and calculated aggression, helped Afghanistan chase down a target of 116 with eight wickets in hand. This victory served as a reminder of Zazai's match-winning capabilities as a player who can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game.
The upcoming encounter in Kingstown promises to be a battle of attrition. Afghanistan will be keen to replicate past heroics, while Bangladesh will be determined to rewrite the script. Both teams boast a plethora of batting talent, making this a match for the ages.
Will Afghanistan ride on the back of Nabi's experience, or will Bangladesh find their redemption through the brilliance of Shakib or Das? Only time will tell.
