Bangladesh survive major scare against Malaysia

Bangladesh managed a slender two-run win against Malaysia in the quarterfinal of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on Wednesday. 

Defending a small 117-run target, Bangladesh saw the game go down the wire with Malaysia needing five off the final over of the 20-over game at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field. However, a brilliant final over by Afif Hossain saw Bangladesh prevail. 

Electing to bat, the Saif Hassan-led Bangladesh managed a total of 116 for five in 20 overs. Having lost three early wickets, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother and were reeling at three for three in the third over. 

Saif and Afif stitched a 38-run fourth-wicket stand to steady the ship. Afif was dismissed after a 14-ball 23 but Saif stayed till the end, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 52 deliveries while stitching stands of 45 and 30 runs with Shahadat Hossain and Jaker Ali to help Bangladesh go past the 100-run mark. 

Malaysia's Virandeep Singh scored a 39-ball 52 and the right-handed batter almost saw his side to a memorable victory. Virandeep was caught at long-on after failing to score in the first three deliveries of the final over by Afif. 

Afif gave away just two singles in the final two deliveries as Bangladesh survived a major scare. 

Bangladesh, alongside Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, played directly in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games while Malaysia made it through after playing the playoffs.