Iran clinched the last spot in the Semi-Finals with an 8-4 decision in a close fought match against Bangladesh at the last Group Stage game of the West Asia Baseball Cup 2019.
Iran concluded this contest with some heart-racing dramatics provided by Bangladesh who fought hard in the second half. There wasn’t a game-winning home run or a walk-off walk but Bangladesh gave it all they had, allowing for both spectators and bull pens to be loud and focused on cheering for the “under dogs”. Bangladesh scored their first international run and then clocked in 3 more giving this tournament another first for the books.
Iran fired up early in the second innings, when an error allowed Iran to score their first run. This was followed by three quick runs in the third innings by Abtin Nakhjavan and Armin Gharibi, each having RBIs in the frame.
Badvand led things off on the mound for Iran. He lasted six and a third innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out seven.
Md.Abdus Chowdhury led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Bangladesh surrendering seven runs on five hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out two. Tanmoy Das threw three and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Mehrdad Pouyan Far went 2-for-5 at the plate to lead Iran in hits.