Tigers face net run-rate hurdle to reach tri-nation series final

Bangladesh would have to overcome some serious equations to play the final of the tri-nation ODI series in United Arab Emirates.

While the 99-run defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the opening game left Bangladesh at precarious state, it was eased to some extent after Afghanistan's mammoth 158-run victory over Zimbabwe.

A Zimbabwe victory over Afghanistan however would have made Bangladesh's path to the final more straightforward.

Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan tomorrow (Wednesday) in the last group phase match of the tournament, a game that they must win.

But a victory would not only ensure their final, they would have overcome the net-run-rate issue also.

Afghanistan looked all but sure to play the final after their gigantic victory over Zimbabwe, which also boosted their run rate to an uncanny degree.

The humiliating defeat in contrary ruined Zimbabwe's net run rate despite their big victory over Bangladesh. Standing on this situation, Bangladesh would now pray and hope to overtake Zimbabwe in net run rate.

Afghanistan sit atop the standings with a net run rate of +3.160 after winning one match. Zimbabwe are second with a net run rate of -0.590, having won one and lost one match, while Bangladesh are third with a net run rate of -1.980 after one defeat.

Failure to overtake Zimbabwe's net run rate, even after a victory over Afghanistan, would eliminate Bangladesh from contention and send Zimbabwe through to the final.

Afghanistan also could have been eliminated but for that they would have to loss the Bangladesh game by an unbelievable margin. �"BSS