Bangladesh outspin Afghanistan to level ODI series

Bangladesh outspin Afghanistan to level ODI series

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 68 runs in the second ODI in Sharjah to level the three-match series at 1-1. Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, anchored the innings with a steady 76, guiding his team to a competitive total of 252/7 after opting to bat first. His crucial partnerships with Soumya Sarkar (35) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (22) helped stabilize the innings after an early breakthrough. Despite a middle-order collapse, debutant Jaker Ali’s unbeaten 37 and Nasum Ahmed’s quickfire 25 gave the total some late momentum.

Afghanistan's chase was derailed by tight bowling, led by Nasum Ahmed, who claimed 3/28. Afghanistan’s top-order resistance, built around Rahmat Shah’s 52 and Sediqullah Atal’s 39, fell apart as the spinners took control. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman also contributed with two wickets apiece, while Afghanistan's lower-order batters failed to build on their starts. The Afghan team was bowled out for 184 in just 43.3 overs.

Bangladesh's spinners dominated on a challenging pitch, which proved difficult for Afghanistan’s batters, especially under lights. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, admitted the difficulty of batting second and noted that Bangladesh's late runs in the first innings, especially in the final overs, had made a difference. 

The series is now tied 1-1, with the final match scheduled for Monday, also in Sharjah. This sets up an exciting decider to determine the series winner.

From Kartik Aaryan channelling Akshay to a mind-blowing climax: All good, bad, and ugly takeaways from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

From Kartik Aaryan Channelling Akshay to a Mind-Blowing Climax: Takeaways from *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*

By Abhimanyu Mathur  
*Nov 04, 2024*
Anees Bazmee's *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* has arrived, and while the box office is thriving with over ₹150 crore, critical reception has been mixed. Here’s a breakdown of the film’s strengths and weaknesses, with a spoiler warning for those yet to see it!*
 

The Good: A Stellar Climax

The film features a gripping climax that showcases Kartik Aaryan’s acting prowess. After two hours of playful mimicry reminiscent of Akshay Kumar's iconic style, Aaryan delivers a heartfelt performance that harkens back to his best roles in *Chandu Champion* and *Freddy*. This emotional turn is a standout moment, reminding audiences that he has the depth to carry dramatic scenes effectively.

 The Bad: Uneven Writing

While the climax shines, the film struggles with inconsistent writing throughout. Some jokes land well, while others fall flat, leaving the audience with a mixed bag of comedic moments. The narrative occasionally feels disjointed, impacting the overall flow and engagement.

 The Ugly: Patchy Performances

Despite the star-studded cast, including Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, not all performances hit the mark. Some characters feel underdeveloped, leading to a lack of emotional connection in pivotal scenes. This inconsistency can detract from the viewing experience.

 Conclusion

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* is a film that encapsulates both highs and lows. While Kartik Aaryan's journey from mimicking to mastering his role is commendable, the film’s uneven pacing and writing leave room for improvement. However, the climax is a powerful reminder of the potential within the franchise. Whether it’s a must-watch or a skip depends on your taste for horror comedies.