Bangladesh's Early Collapse Against Afghanistan in Sharjah: Omarzai's Magic Strikes
Introduction:
The third ODI between Bangladesh and Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is turning out to be a thrilling contest. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh's hopes of building a strong innings were shattered early, thanks to a brilliant delivery by Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai. Let’s dive into the match's turning point and how Bangladesh’s innings unraveled under pressure.
Bangladesh's Solid Start:
Bangladesh started their innings confidently, with openers Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan forming a promising partnership. Together, they put on 53 runs, providing the team with a solid base. The early signs were encouraging for the Tigers, as they looked to set a strong total on the typically dry Sharjah pitch. However, things were about to take a sharp turn.
Omarzai’s Stunning Delivery:
The match's momentum shifted in the 9th over when Azmatullah Omarzai came into the attack. The Afghanistan pacer bowled an exceptional delivery that changed the course of the game. Soumya Sarkar, who had been looking comfortable at the crease, fell for a well-executed delivery.
Omarzai bowled a good-length ball that angled away from the fourth stump line. Sarkar, attempting a late cut, misjudged the movement and failed to get his feet in line. The ball took an inside edge, struck the ground, and then crashed into the off-stump, sending Sarkar back to the dressing room for 24 runs.
The Bangladesh Collapse:
Sarkar's dismissal was just the beginning of Bangladesh's woes. Afghanistan quickly capitalized on the breakthrough, with Bangladesh losing wickets at regular intervals. The middle-order, which had been expected to provide stability, crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
As of the latest update, Bangladesh is struggling at 109 for 4, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31) and Mahmudullah Riyad (17) holding the fort. The team's prospects of posting a big score are now hanging by a thread as they fight to stabilize the innings.
Conclusion:
Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Omarzai’s early breakthrough, have put Bangladesh on the backfoot in this crucial ODI. While there is still a long way to go, Bangladesh will need a solid fightback from their remaining batters if they hope to post a competitive total. The match is finely poised, and Afghanistan will look to continue their dominance and take control of the game in Sharjah.
Reference from:- https://cricket.one/match-hub/watch-omarzai-strikes-early-as-soumya-sarkar-crumbles-against-afghanistan-in-sharjah/6731f19341c75234cf3f24db