Bangladesh Edge Afghanistan in Thriller Thanks to Nasum’s Brilliant Bowling; BCB President Full of Praise

Bangladesh kept their Asia Cup hopes alive with a thrilling 8-run win over Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Leading the charge with the ball was left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who struck with the very first delivery of the innings, dismissing Afghan opener Sadiqullah Atal for a golden duck. Soon after, he sent back No. 3 batter Ibrahim Zadran before he could settle, setting the tone for Bangladesh’s bowling success.

Nasum’s journey in this Asia Cup hasn’t been straightforward. Before flying to Abu Dhabi, media reports surfaced highlighting his family’s struggles — his father reportedly working as a security guard to make ends meet, while his son represents the nation and stays in luxury hotels. The story drew widespread reactions - some expressed sympathy for Nasum, others criticized the perceived father-son distance, while a few even tried to exploit the issue for their own benefit.

Yet, Nasum has quietly stayed focused on his job with the ball. Against Afghanistan, he bowled 4 overs, including a maiden, conceding just 11 runs and picking up 2 crucial wickets. His economy rate of 2.75 is now the best in this Asia Cup so far, breaking the previous record of 3.25 held jointly by Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan.

Such a performance not only earned him plaudits from teammates but also drew high praise from BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul.

Speaking to the media in Mirpur on Wednesday about the Afghanistan game and Bangladesh’s overall Asia Cup campaign, Bulbul said, “I express my sympathy for Nasum. From that situation, we all have learned a valuable lesson. When a cricketer represents his country in international cricket, we need to understand how to provide mental support to that player. He has shown us that very clearly.”

He added, “The way he played yesterday was truly unbelievable. He has been consistently performing well, but I felt that in the victory against Afghanistan, he played a very big role. Yes, it takes contributions from all eleven players to win, but the biggest role yesterday was Nasum’s.”

Bulbul also revealed that he had spoken personally with Nasum in Sylhet, as well as with his wife and young daughter. He told, “When I spoke to him personally in Sylhet, and also to his wife and little daughter, I felt he was very confident. His focus on cricket is unbelievably sharp, and he has managed to prove that on the field.”