I just wanted to play my own game, Afif says after match-winning knock

Bangladesh started the Tri-nation T20 series with a hard-fought win against Zimbabwe on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. It was Afif Hossain, who stunned Zimbabwe with a resounding fifty in only his second T20I. He ended on 52 off 26 with eight fours and one six. 

Afif said he just wanted to play on his way and this approach helped to win the game. He said: "I just wanted to play well and stick to my own game and it was the reason behind my success."

The left-handed batsman got this first T20I cap back in 2018 against Sri Lanka, but he did not get another chance of playing for the national side until this game.

"During the last year, I just tried to exploit the chances that I got while playing for Bangladesh A and High-performance unit. It paid off now. It was a satisfying game for me as I contributed with the bat to win this game for my country," Afif added.

When Afif came to the middle, Bangladesh needed of 85 runs in 45 balls. The southpaw was calm to accomplish the mission. He and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat added 82 runs for the seventh wicket which proved to be the match-winning factor for the Tigers. 

Right after the game, prime minister Sheikh Hasina greeted Afif for his outstanding effort in the wicket. The 19-year-old said it was very inspiring for him. 

While Afif was happy for his performance, Ryan Burl of Zimbabwe was upset because his team ended up losing the game. 

"I am extremely upset (in spite of putting in a good performance) because the team comes first to me. We have lost the game. I think it was our fielding. We missed some chances that cost us a lot," Burl told the media at the end of the match. 

"Afif was great. He came to the wicket when Bangladesh lost six wickets for 60. From there, he won the game for his team. It was great. In T20 cricket, you cannot relax. A bad over can change the game, and we saw it today," Burl added.