Online Desk: Bangladesh A face a must-win contest against their Afghan counterparts in Colombo today, with a spot in the semifinals of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Asia Cup 2023 on the line. Courtesy of possessing the highest run-rate, +1.731, in Group A, a victory would guarantee a place in the last-four for the Saif Hassan-led side — who bounced back to shrug Oman A off after beginning the campaign on the wrong foot against the hosts, Sri Lanka A.

A loss, however, could likely see them crash out of the competition unless Oman A manage to stun Sri Lanka A in the other fixture today. In that case, run-rate would decide who accompany table-toppers Afghanistan A in the next round.

For Bangladesh A so far, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim impressed with back-to-back fifties in two outings. On the bowling front, pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib starred in the second match with a four-wicket haul while off-spinner Sheikh Mahedi remained economical. The likes of Tanzim and Mahedi would have to be wary of the threat from Riaz Hassan, whose 82-run knock helped his side narrowly beat the home side.