Afghanistan A clinched a thrilling 4-wicket victory over Bangladesh A in the 6th match of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, thanks to a remarkable unbeaten 95 from Sediqullah Atal. The match, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, saw Afghanistan chase down Bangladesh’s total with five balls to spare.
Bangladesh A sets a competitive target
Bangladesh A, after being put into bat, posted a competitive total of 164/4 in their 20 overs. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon provided a solid foundation with a well-paced 54, while Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42. Despite a promising start, Bangladesh’s middle-order struggled to accelerate against a disciplined Afghan bowling attack. Ripon Mondol was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs in his 4 overs.
Sediqullah Atal propels Afghanistan A to victory
Afghanistan A’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Sediqullah Atal’s brilliant knock held the innings together. His 95 not out off 55 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes, kept Afghanistan in the hunt. Atal’s match-winning moment came in the 19th over when he smashed Abu Hider for a six off the very first ball, sealing the victory in style. His composure and aggressive shot selection made him a deserving Player of the Match.
Here’s the video:
𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 🤯
Sediqullah Atal flips the game with his unbeaten knock, and 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵 with a winning shot! 🙌🔁@ACBofficials#MensT20EmergingTeamsAsiaCup #ACC pic.twitter.com/p0s1sP5tMz
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 20, 2024
Also WATCH: Ramandeep Singh takes a one-handed stunner to dismiss Yasir Khan during IND A vs PAK A clash at Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024
Afghanistan A finished on 165/6 in 19.1 overs, winning by 4 wickets and keeping their unbeaten run continue in the tournament. Atal’s heroic innings was supported by brief contributions from the lower order, but it was his solo effort that made the difference.
𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕓𝕠𝕨 🙇
There was 𝖓𝖔 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖕𝖕𝖎𝖓𝖌 Sediqullah Atal with his unbeaten innings, making him win the Player of the Match award!#MensT20EmergingTeamsAsiaCup #ACC pic.twitter.com/QxjYh6Gzv4
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 20, 2024
This win elevated Afghanistan A to the top of the Group A standings with 4 points, while Bangladesh A dropped to third place with 2 points from two matches. Afghanistan A will face Hong Kong in their next match, while Bangladesh A will play a virtual quarter-final against Sri Lanka A for a spot in the semifinals.