Playing his first international match in 12 months, Nasum put in an impressive all-round display to help Bangladesh level the series
Bangladesh’s 68-run win against Afghanistan in the second ODI, breaking a seven-match losing streak since September, was built on a string of individual performances. Of them, Nasum Ahmed, in particular, will feel a huge weight lifted off his shoulders after returning to the side following a 12-month gap.
Nasum made a brisk 25 followed by bowling figures of 3 for 28 from 8.3 overs in his first international since the 2023 ODI World Cup – it has emerged recently that an incident involving Chandika Hathurusinghe might have kept Nasum out of the national team in this period. He hasn’t said anything about it, clearly saving his energy to make statements when given an opportunity. Like on Saturday.
He stepped up at the right time for Bangladesh, who had their backs against the wall. They were 1-0 down in the series, having collapsed with the bat quite spectacularly in the first game on Wednesday.