‘Nasum and Rishad showed their skills’

Bangladesh kept their hopes for Super Four qualification alive in the Asia Cup, beating Afghanistan by eight runs in their last Group B fixture. Nasum Ahmed was the architect of the win with the ball, closely followed by Rishad Hossain's contribution in picking up wickets.

Skipper Litton Das felt it was a relief to get over the line in a do-or-die fixture even as the batters struggled later on in the innings to pick up the tempo.

"Winning the game was a relief, but we didn't bat very well in the last 4-5 overs. I felt there were enough runs but still we felt we were 15-20 runs short," he said.

Nasum bagged two for just 11 runs, keeping Afghanistan in check in the Powerplay while Rishad spun a web around the batters to finish with two for 18 runs. Earlier, opener Tanzid Tamim's fifty set up the Bangladesh innings, Litton credited all three players.

"The way Nasum and Rishad bowled was special, they really showed their skill. Today Tamim batted very well, the opening partnership was crucial.

Bangladesh will be looking ardently at the last Group match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan as a Lankan win will ensure a berth to the Super Four.

Asked if they will all be supporting Sri Lanka now, Litton smiled, saying: "I don't know, let's see."

Nasum, who struck with the new ball in the very first delivery of the innings, said he loved the prospect of using the new ball, whick skidded from the surface and caused Afghan batters all sorts of trouble.

"I always fancy bowling with the new ball, that's what the captain has asked me to bowl the first over, I was excited by it.

"There was a lot of sweat today so gripping the ball was a challenge but I enjoy these challenges," he said.