That's it! Bangladesh have kept their semi-finals hope alive as they beat Afghanistan by 62 runs in match 31 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Southampton. Bangladesh talisman Shakib Al Hasan's brilliant run in the ICC CWC 2019 continues as the all rounder hit a half century and claimed five wickets in the match to have yet another memorable outing.
Bangladesh are on the fifth position now in the points table and have a chance to enter the final four with two games remaining. Afghanistan are on the last spot and are already out of the World Cup, with losses in all their matches. In response to Bangladesh's 262, Afghanistan were bundled out for 200.
OUT! If there are any doubts regarding Bangladesh's victory, they should be rested by now as Rashid Khan has been dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. Rashid tries a pull only to give a catch to Bangladesh skipper Mortaza. Rashid Khan c Mortaza b Mustafizur 2runs off 3 balls.
Shakib al Hasan has picked up his 5th scalp, outsmarting the dangerous Najibullah Zadran. With this wicket, the hopes of an upset by Afghanistan has further diminished. Rashid Khan is the new man in.
Shakib Al Hasan has been smashed for a huge six over long-off. Shinwari is the last hope for the Afghanistan team. However, the required run rate is 9.69, which means the Afghan team has to score runs as well as keep wickets in hand.
Afghanistan is on a verge of yet another defeat in Cricket World Cup, 2019. Afghan has displayed some poor batting performance till now and has disappointed their fans.
OUT!!! Ikram Ali Khil Run Out. It was a casual cricket from young Khil as he made a poor run while returning back to the non-striker end. Liton Das delivered a sharp throw for a direct hit to send Ali Khil back to the pavilion. Ikram Ali Khil run out by Liton Das 11 from 12 balls
OUT! Asghar Afghan departs trying to up the scoring rate. Shakib is on a roll here. Gets his fourth wicket. Asghar Afghan c (sub)Sabbir Rahman b Shakib 20 off 38 balls.
At the end of 30 overs, Afghanistan are 111/4. They have already lost skipper Gulbadin Naib, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shakib Al Hasan has inflicted maximum damage picking three wickets.
OUT! Big wicket this for Shakib and Bangladesh. Shakib gets through the gates off Nabi's bat and pad as the bowl goes on to hit the stumps. Mohammad Nabi b Shakib 0 off 2 Balls.
OUT! There goes Gulbadin Naib. Tries to play a cover drive off Shakib Al Hasan, ends up finding the fielder and pays the prize for playing an aerial shot. Gulbadin Naib c Liton Das b Shakib Al Hasan 47 runs off 75 balls.
Gulbadin Naib is playing a captain's knock here. Asghar Afghan and Gulbadin Naib help Afghanistan reach above 100. An over above the half-way mark, Afghanistan are still lacking behind the asking rate.
Mehidy Hasan is bowling well and is indeed in search of a wicket. Meanwhile, Naib is struggling and facing some issues in his hamstring. Hope, nothing serious as he is playing well.
Gulbadin Naib opens up his arm to find a boundary over the mid off fielder. Mosaddek Hossain is also introduced in the attack where he just conceded a boundary.
Afghanistan batsmen Gulbadin Naib Hashmatullah Shahidi are currently struggling against spinners. Bangladesh is looking for more wickets by keeping the opposition side in pressure.
Mehidy Hasan bowls a decent first over as he just gave away one run. Meanwhile, Afghanistan batsmen are struggling against spinners and finding difficult to score runs.
OUT!!! Shakib Al Hasan strikes in his first over, as he dismisses the well set Rahmat Shah. Rahmat went for a pull, only to get the top edge and find the fielder at mid-on. Rahmat Shah c Tamim b Shakib 24(35)
Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib and Rahmat Shah are playing well by keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, the opening pair should try to eye a big partnership.
The Bangladesh team will look to keep their semi-finals hope alive as they take on the Afghanistan cricket team on June 24, Monday at Southampton in match 31 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. While Afghanistan are out of the tournament already, Bangladesh still have hopes of making it to the semi-finals and a lot depends upon today's game for the Tigers. Fans of both sides are super excited to catch the live action between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This is why we bring you live cricket score updates of BAN vs AFG, along with ball-by-ball commentary. Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Cricket Score 31st ODI Match in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Bangladesh have impressed one and all with victories against South Africa and West Indies. The Tigers have won two matches and lost three out of the six games they have played. Their match against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh went down fighting against Australia in their last match, chasing a mammoth 382. However, England losing to Sri Lanka has opened the doors of possibility for the Tigers as Bangladesh are fighting for a place in the semi-finals.
On the other hand, Afghanistan are done and dusted from the ICC CWC 2019. The Afghan 'Atalans' came close to giving a scare to Team India but ended up losing the close encounter by 11 runs. Afghanistan are at the bottom of the points table and are already out of the tournament. However, they can still cause an upset for other teams as they look for their first victory in ICC CWC 2019.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2019 02:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).