MAS VS BAN T20I

Right then, that is it from this game where Bangladesh eliminates Malaysia and advances to the next round. We have our four semi-finalists, the 1st semi-final will be played between Bangladesh and India on 7th October, Saturday at 6.30 am IST (1 am GMT) while in the 2nd semi-final, Pakistan takes on Afghanistan at 11.30 am IST (6 am GMT), but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to both the games. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Earlier in the game, after electing to bat first, Bangladesh huffed and puffed to a fighting score courtesy of a gritty half-century from Saif Hassan and some contributions from Afif Hossain, and Shahadat Hossain. Pavandeep Singh was the pick of the bowler for Malaysia with two wickets while Vijay Unni and Anwar Rahman chipped in with one each. While chasing, Malaysia gave their all and came really close but just could not get over the line here.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their bowling effort. Ripon Mondol bowled well with the new ball and got them the early breakthrough as well. They built on that as Afif Hossain got a couple of wickets in double quick time to more pressure on the batters. However, they allowed a partnership to grow which proved to be the difference in the end. Mondol picked up two wickets in two balls to get them back in the contest again. They conceded a few too many boundaries at the death but Afif Hossain was the hero for them as he defended brilliantly in the last over.

Malaysia failed to get going in the Powerplay and were reduced to 18/3. However, Virandeep Singh along with Vijay Unni steadied the ship with a good little partnership which got them back in the game. A  couple of poor selections of shots put them in some trouble again but Virandeep kept his calm and a few lusty blows from Ainool Hafizs got them close to the total. However, they failed to keep their nerves in the end and agonisingly fell short by two runs.

Bangladesh have managed a great escape here and makes it to the semi-final of the Asian Games 2023! They were down and out till the last over but Afif Hossain pulled a rabbit out of the hat to defend just four runs and help his side get over the line in this low-scoring thriller.

Bangladesh manage to defend the target. Afif Hossain tosses this full and on off. Anwar Rahman under pressure doesn't find the boundary and sends it to the fielder at long on for a single. Afif Hossain manages to control his nerves under pressure and gave away only two runs off the last over.

Very full and on off. Syazrul Idrus digs it out to mid-wicket for a single. Just 4 needed of the last ball.

Syazrul Idrus comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Afif Hossain gets the big wicket and releases the pressure. He bowls it full and on off. Virandeep Singh lofts it looking to go over long on. Mahmudul Hasan Joy the fielder there takes a fine catch under pressure to dismiss Virandeep Singh, the batter in form.

Full and on leg. Virandeep Singh misses the pull shot and it is another dot ball.

Very full and outside off. Virandeep Singh doesn't attempt the shot and the ball is not called a wide as well.

Full and outside off. Virandeep Singh runs it down to short third. A dot ball to start the over.

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Afif Hossain(3-0-9-2). Can he defend 4 runs here and be the hero for Bangladesh?

Shortish and on middle. Anwar Rahman tries to reverse scoop it but the ball hits his pads and rolls away to short third man. Virandeep Singh refuses the single and wants to stay on strike for the final over.

Anwar Rahman is the next man in.

OUT! TIMBER! Rishad Hossain gets the important breakthrough! He bowls it full and down leg. Ainool Hafizs misses on the flick and the ball turns onto the stumps. Ainool Hafizs is bowled over and Bangladesh release some pressure off them.

Pitched up and outside off. Ainool Hafizs swings and misses due to the turn.