Two wickets in two balls: Bangladesh in early collapse in do-or-die match against Afghanistan
Bangladesh suffered a major early blow after coming out to bat in their do-or-die battle against Afghanistan. Losing two wickets in two balls in the second over of the innings, the Tigers were put under pressure right at the start.
In this important match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy won the toss and decided to bat first. But the two openers could not repay his decision at the outset.
Both wickets were taken by Afghan pacer Yamin Ahmadzai. His strike in his second over broke Bangladesh's opening pair apart.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who had narrowly missed a half-century in the previous match, returned this time for just 1 run. He was caught by wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Ahmadzai's bowling.
Soumya Sarkar fell on the very next ball. Becoming Ahmadzai's second victim, the left-handed batter returned to the pavilion without scoring. Bangladesh had lost two wickets before the scoreboard had properly got moving.
This match is extremely important for Bangladesh to stay alive in the series. Losing both openers at the start of such a match is a big blow to the team's plans, as the whole responsibility of rebuilding the innings now falls on the middle order.
Earlier, the Bangladesh team management made three changes to the eleven for this crucial fight to survive in the series. The selection itself showed the Tigers had taken the field desperate for a win.
All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has returned to the side after recovering from illness. His return is expected to bring relief to both the batting depth and the bowling of the team.
Mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam also made his ODI debut. With a debut in a big match, all eyes will be on him as well.
After this early collapse, Bangladesh's innings is now a battle of reconstruction. The middle order must build partnerships patiently while also keeping the scoring rate up, because in a do-or-die match survival alone is not enough — victory is the only target.
Bangladesh supporters are looking to the next updates from the match. The result of this Sharjah battle will decide the Tigers' fate in the series.
