98 Run Out! 38-Year-Old Mahmudullah Turns Out Bangladesh's Messiah During ODI Series Decider

Jatin∙ Updated: Nov 11 2024, 8:01 PM | 2 Min Read

Mahmudullah played a fighting knock [Source: @saifahmed75/x.com]

In the ongoing AFG vs BAN 3rd ODI in Sharjah, Bangladesh’s seasoned campaigner Mahmudullah pulled out all the stops and delivered a stunning knock of 98 that helped his side post a competitive total of 244/8. With the series locked at 1-1, it all came down to this clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Veteran Mahmudullah Led Bangladesh’s Fightback with Magnificent 98

While things looked dicey at first for the Bangla Tigers, Mahmudullah and stand-in skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz turned things around in grand style. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s hopes seemed to dim quickly.

They stumbled to 72/4 and struggled to find any rhythm. Enter Mahmudullah, the veteran with nerves of steel, who took charge of the situation. The 38-year-old calmly absorbed the pressure and brought all his experience to the fore. He joined forces with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who chipped in with a gutsy 66, and together they dug Bangladesh out of the hole.

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The pair of Mahmudullah-Miraz duo stitched a hugely important 145-run partnership that carried Bangladesh from a dismal position to one of stability. The captain eventually departed in the 46th over, but by then, the innings was stabilized.

On the other end, Mahmudullah kept the innings going and made sure Bangladesh finished with a respectable score. Though he was unfortunately run out for 98 on the final ball, his heroic knock was laden with seven boundaries and three sixes.

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/37 in his seven overs. His efforts along with some tight bowling from the rest of the attack, prevented Bangladesh from completely running away with the game.

AFG vs BAN Series Decider on the Line

The two teams have come into this final game with everything to play for. Afghanistan drew first blood in the series, taking the opening match by 92 runs. But Bangladesh hit back in style, clinching the second game with a comfortable 68-run win.

With the series now hanging by a thread, all eyes are on the Bangladesh bowlers to see if they can back up the efforts of Mahmudullah and Miraz and seal the series.

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