Despite the disastrous outing with the bat, the Afghanistan cricket team did give a happy moment to fans with their fielding effort during the second innings when their star player Najibullah Zadran struck a brilliant direct hit to dismiss Tanzid Hasan Tamim in the second innings.
Afghanistan’s innings
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan started off decently but couldn’t carry the momentum and collapsed for 156 runs in 37.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer for his team, scoring an impressive 47 off 62 balls. On the other hand, Ibrahim Zadran contributed 22 off 25 balls. Shakib al Hasan (3/30) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/25) shined with the ball and were the chief destructor for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s innings
In reply, Bangladesh openers entered the crease with confidence but faced an early dismissal as they lost Tanzid with just 19 runs on the board. The wicket of the Bangladesh batter fell courtesy of a brilliant direct hit from Afghan fielder Najibullah, who executed a moment of sheer brilliance and gave Afghanistan their first breakthrough.
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Najibullah Zadran hits the bulls eye
It all unfolded on the first ball of the fifth over when Fazalhaq Farooqi delivered a back-of-a-length ball, shaping in from round the wicket to Litton Das, and he tapped it towards point. Tanzid saw it as an opportunity to steal a quick single at the non-striker’s end but was sent back by Litton from halfway of the crease.
The moment Tanzid turned to rush back to the non-striker’s end, Najibullah sprang into action. The Afghan fielder, stationed at point, was quick to reach the ball, scooped it up cleanly, and unleashed a pinpoint throw towards the stumps. In a heartbeat, the ball found its mark, hitting the stumps with unerring accuracy. The replay further confirmed that Tanzid was short of his crease, and his innings was abruptly cut short.
Here’s the video:
Impact on the match
Najibullah’s remarkable direct hit not only brought jubilation to the Afghan camp but also put Bangladesh under pressure. Following Tanzid’s departure, Bangladesh soon lost Litton, and the Afghan bowlers smelled blood.
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