Nasum Ahmed admitted that while he has produced many fine spells before, his latest one carried extra weight because it came in a do-or-die situation for Bangladesh. The left-arm spinner’s controlled bowling led his side to an 8-run win over Afghanistan on Tuesday, keeping their Asia Cup Super Four hopes alive.
Speaking to reporters at the team hotel on 17 September, Nasum said: “No, I’ve had many like this before. But yesterday was very special because it was a do-or-die match for us.”
Bangladesh, defending just 155, needed early breakthroughs, and Nasum delivered instantly. Off the very first ball of the innings, he trapped Sediqullah Atal LBW. In the fourth over of the powerplay, he dismissed Ibrahim Zadran as well. His first three overs conceded only seven runs, including a maiden, leaving Afghanistan reeling.
Afghanistan’s chase never recovered from that opening. Brought back in the 18th over with Rashid Khan at the crease, Nasum gave away only four runs, shifting the equation from 31 needed off 18 balls to 27 from 12. His figures read 2 for 11 from 4 overs, including a maiden earning him his fifth player-of-the-match award in international cricket.
On winning awards, Nasum was quick to play it down: “Coming back and winning Man of the Match, this isn’t something new. I was also the Man of the Match in the last game I played.”
When asked about selection and sitting out games, he stressed the team-first approach: “It all depends on the team’s needs, which might be based on our planning, tactics, or the opposition. Because of this, sometimes one has to sit out. But I don’t worry about that. We stay mentally prepared that whenever anyone gets a chance, he will try to perform well.”
Faith, preparation and collective effort were central to Nasum’s reflections: “Of course, Allah is one, and I raise my hands in gratitude to Him. I am always ready to play, always trying to give my best. Alhamdulillah, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But millions of thanks to Allah that I have been able to perform like this.”
Nasum kept a calm perspective about what comes next in the tournament: “Whoever plays well should win. I’m not stressed about these things. Whatever is written in fate will happen. I don’t feel the need to specifically support or pray for any other team. We don’t think about it that way, whatever is destined will happen.”
