Afghanistan, Zimbabwe storm into final as Bangladesh crash out

Summary Chasing a modest target of 161 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan reached 164-3 in 35.3 overs, with Rahmat Shah leading the charge through an unbeaten 67. Afghanistan suffered an early setback, losing two wickets for 39 runs inside the first seven overs. Rahmat then combined with Shahidi to guide Afghanistan home with an unbeaten stand of 50 runs. AI Generated Summary SHARJAH: Afghanistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ODI Tri-Nation Series on Wednesday, booking their place in Friday's final alongside Zimbabwe. Chasing a modest target of 161 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan reached 164-3 in 35.3 overs, with Rahmat Shah leading the charge through an unbeaten 67. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained not out on 36, while Ibrahim Zadran contributed 34 runs. Afghanistan suffered an early setback, losing two wickets for 39 runs inside the first seven overs. However, Rahmat and Zadran steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership before Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Zadran. Rahmat then combined with Shahidi to guide Afghanistan home with an unbeaten stand of 50 runs. Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 160 in 41.2 overs after opting to bat first. Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored with 70 off 96 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Saif Hassan added 41. The pair shared a valuable 50-run partnership after Bangladesh slipped to 38-4. Rashid Khan spearheaded Afghanistan's bowling attack, claiming four wickets, while Taskin Ahmed took two wickets for Bangladesh. The defeat ended Bangladesh's campaign after consecutive losses, leaving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe to contest the tri-series title on Friday.